TED: Why you should love statistics | Alan Smith

The video discusses the surprising results of a UK government survey on numeracy, revealing that nearly half of working-age adults lack basic numeracy skills. It highlights the global nature of this issue, with similar findings in the USA and other countries. The speaker challenges the notion that people are either good or bad with numbers, advocating for a broader appreciation of statistics. Through examples of public misperceptions, the video illustrates how statistics can reveal societal truths. A local area quiz is introduced to engage people with statistics, demonstrating its success in sparking public interest and discussion.

What was the surprising result of the UK government's follow-up survey on numeracy?

• The survey was inconclusive.

• The number of people with low numeracy skills increased.

• The number of people with low numeracy skills remained the same.

• The number of people with low numeracy skills decreased.

Which two countries were noted for having low percentages of young people with low numeracy skills?

• USA and England

• France and Germany

• Netherlands and Korea

• Saudi Arabia and Japan

What does the speaker suggest about the dichotomy of people being good or bad with numbers?

• It is a recent discovery.

• It is only applicable to mathematicians.

• It is a false dichotomy.

• It is a true and unchangeable fact.

What is the main reason the speaker finds statistics interesting?

• Statistics are rarely used in real life.

• Statistics are easy to understand.

• Statistics are about precision and certainty.

• Statistics are about us as a group.

What was the average perception of the percentage of Muslims in the UK according to the Ipsos MORI survey?

• 10%

• 5%

• 50%

• 24%

According to the Ipsos MORI survey, what was the actual percentage of Japanese people living in rural areas?

• 25%

• 50%

• 56%

• 7%

What was the purpose of the local knowledge quiz introduced by the speaker?

• To test mathematical skills.

• To engage people with local statistics.

• To improve global numeracy rates.

• To challenge government policies.

What design inspiration did the speaker use for the quiz?

• Pie charts

• Traditional bar graphs

• Isotypes of Otto Neurath

• Modern art techniques

What was the reaction to the quiz after its launch?

• It was only used by statisticians.

• It was criticized for being too complex.

• It sparked a large online discussion.

• It was ignored by the public.

What does the speaker conclude about statistics?

• Statistics are the science of uncertainty.

• Statistics are the science of us.

• Statistics are only for experts.

• Statistics are irrelevant in modern society.