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.

How did the British public perceive the rate of teenage pregnancies among girls?

What was the average answer from Saudis regarding the percentage of overweight or obese adults?

What was the purpose of the quiz designed by the speaker?

What was the reaction to the statistics quiz after its launch?