The episode explores common misinterpretations of statistical concepts like the law of large numbers, the central limit theorem, and normal distribution, using examples from various fields like healthcare, journalism, and gambling. It discusses the challenges of effectively communicating statistical information and the human tendency to seek patterns in random data. The chapter also delves into cognitive biases like anchoring bias and false sense of precision in estimating uncertain events.
Professor, Mathematician and Writer John A. Paulos joins the show to discuss math education, the power of puzzles, cognitive biases, and MUCH more!
Important Links:
Show Notes:
- Why Do People Hate Math?
- The Power of Posing Problems with Counterintuitive or Shocking Results
- Using Everyday Examples to Understand Math Concepts
- Systems Designed to Take Advantage of Innumeracy
- People’s Ignorance of Randomness and Random Samples
- The Strange Power of Anchoring Bias
- Tradeoffs between Probability and Plausibility
- The Prisoner’s Dilemma & Math Anxiety
- Improving the Monty Hall Problem
- Designing an Ideal Intro Math Course
- The Big Brother Aspect of Nudging
- John as Emperor of the World
- MORE!
Books Mentioned: