More or Less: Behind the Stats

Exploring the vast vocabulary of Shakespeare compared to modern rappers, analyzing unique words, and debating the use of vocabulary size as a measure of literary quality. Insights into stylometrics and charity giving are also discussed.

The podcast delves into the challenges of conducting accurate Scottish referendum polls and analyses Nigel Farage's concerns about welfare costs. It also explores food poverty and malnutrition trends in the UK, discusses the 'Strictly Come Dancing curse', and compares divorce rates among celebrities and professionals.

The ALS ice bucket challenge has become a viral phenomenon. People around the world have been dousing themselves in ice-cold water and in the process have raised over $100m for charity. But a true nerd doesn't run with the herd, and Tim Harford is only going to do the challenge if the facts stack up. He investigates whether a viral challenge like this is good for charitable giving overall, and whether there are reasons to be more choosy about the charities we give to. This programme was first broadcast on the BBC World Service.

Exploring the success of the ALS ice bucket challenge in raising funds; Evaluating charitable donations and the 'rising tide' of anti-Semitism in Europe; Rapper's vocabulary surpassing Shakespeare's; Reevaluating misconceptions about Shakespeare's vocabulary; Factors affecting mortality rates and quality of life, including lifestyle choices

Is it true that humans use just 10% of their brains? It’s the premise of the new film Lucy, in which the brain capacity of Scarlett Johansson’s character increases to dangerous levels. Tim Harford uses considerably more than 10% of his brain to separate the neuro-science facts from the fiction with Professor Sophie Scott. What drives the price of footballers? Tim Harford tries to understand the huge transfer fees with Raffaele Poli from the CIES Football Observatory and football agent Seb Ewen. Presenter: Tim Harford Producer: Ruth Alexander This programme was first broadcast on the BBC World Service.

Media reports are suggesting that as many as 12,000 people may have Ebola in West Africa, but experts tell More or Less that's not the case. It's also said that Ebola kills up to 90% of victims, but while that's true of one outbreak, the death rate in other Ebola outbreaks has varied widely. Tim Harford and Ruth Alexander

As the Gaza conflict continues, the fact that there are estimated to be nearly three times as many men as women among the Palestinian civilian casualties has been an issue in the spotlight. Tim Harford and Ruth Alexander look at why men are often over-represented in civilian death tolls, and how the statistics in this conflict are being gathered. This programme was first broadcast on the BBC World Service.

BBC Newsnight's Chris Cook joins Tim Harford to discuss the government's Troubled Families programme, analyzing discrepancies in CEO remuneration, casualties in conflicts, and innovative use of sound effects in presenting statistical data on radio.

Exploring the rise of anti-semitism post-Gaza conflict, analyzing data inconsistencies in tracking incidents. Discussing trends in anti-Semitic acts across European countries like Germany, UK, France, and Canada. Examining survey questions on anti-Semitism, prejudices towards minorities, and concerns within the European Jewish community.

Exploring the rising costs of the government's new student loan system and whether it will end up costing more than the old one. Plus, discussions on extracting gold from mobile phones, the impact of deep learning on daily life, and statistical headlines on various topics.