The Power of Data: Using Statistics Effectively in Your Writing, Sources and Verification
Ahoy, data scavengers! If you've ever been caught telling your friends that 127% of all people make up statistics on the spot (like I just did), then you, my friend, are in dire need of this crash course on “How Not to Look Silly with Shaky Statistics!”
1. Go Beyond Page One of Google: Most of us are guilty of grabbing that first juicy number that Google serves us on a silver platter. But resist! Sometimes, it's from Uncle Bob’s Conspiracy Blog or “I-Made-This-Number-Up” forum. Instead, sail into the vast ocean of pages 2, 3, and 4. They're lonelier and often hold the treasures of credible data.
2. Does Your Source Have Credentials or Just Attitude? Remember, a website with neon flashing GIFs and dancing hamsters might not be the pinnacle of reliable information. Seek out the big players: academic journals, established institutions, and trusted news outlets. If they’ve got more credentials than your overachieving cousin Sally, you're on the right track!
3. Double, Triple, Quadruple Check: Found a wild statistic that says 1 in 3 people believe pigs can fly? Before using it to win an argument, cross-verify! If multiple credible sources confirm this peculiar piggy phenomenon, it might be your golden ticket. If not, drop it like a hot potato.
领英推荐
4. The Date Matters: Using data from 1802 to discuss current fashion trends? Unless you're advocating for the return of the powdered wig, ensure your data is recent and relevant.
5. Make Friends with Fact-Checkers: Websites like Snopes or FactCheck.org can quickly become your new BFFs. They're like the babysitters of the data world, ensuring you're not running wild with unchecked facts.
To sum it up, in this era of misinformation, don your detective hat, and ensure that your statistics aren’t just impressive but impeccable. Because remember, friends don’t let friends use dubious data!
#contentwriting, #contentmarketing, #contentcreator, #copywriting, #blogging, #freelancewriting, #writerswanted