Real Press

The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of statistics is:

“statistics –
1: a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of masses of numerical data
2: a collection of quantitative data”

Statistical research investigates causality to attempt to prove a hypothesis and/or establish alternative hypotheses. In experimentation, to interpret how collected data relates to a proposition both sides of the numbers or data need close examination. High correlation does not necessarily confirm causation. Causation is notoriously difficult to prove.

It is dangerous for the press or political leaders to quote statistics to support their assertions. Logic and experimental procedure demand more rigorous proof than statistical inference provides. Statistics is as defined. It is more the method of collecting the data and using rules defined in statistics how data should be collected, analyzed and what can and cannot be inferred from the data.  Justifying high correlations as the reasons things are as we perceive or assume is simply wrong.

What constitutes reasonable proof and what does not? That things occur together in a way normally ‘not expected on the basis of chance alone’ is insufficient proof that B is the result of A or even that they are interrelated. Making assertions this way draws on face validity which is only a subjective assessment of what one might think appears to be so, rather than empirical construct validity or “the degree to which a test measures what it claims, or purports, to be measuring.” False manifestos result from reliance upon how something might appear rather than what truly is.

Sometimes it is better to come up with alternative explanations for issues in question rather than to attempt to assert or to prove causation because of overwhelmingly high correlations. Repetition of inconclusive or false information never makes it more correct or reliable. That only increases the possibility that an Illusory Truth Effect will exist.

Repeatedly claiming erroneous affirmations and conclusions true leads to dissension and belligerence more intense than the original disagreement.  This is the current state of the union. Opposing political philosophies may never agree on what they view as fact. For each the opinion of the other is based on alternative facts. There is no Fake News. That would not be news. It would either be rumor or it would be false.

CBS News took a unique marketing step or was providing commentary on current events in what at first glance appears amusing.  The News Division now displays boldly in all caps the tagline REAL NEWS below their CBS News logo as their music plays in the background. They can repeat that all they want but that is not what will make the statement true or false. The proof in the pudding will not be found in ostentatious face validity or how they subjectively appear to be doing what they are are tasked to do.  CBS and all the news organizations must stop relying on the thought that the public will believe whatever they are selling. Like the Washington Post and New York Times during the Nixon Administration, the press must prove allegations it brings forth.

One news organization reporting what another has already published is becoming too great a part of what news is today. Unverified dossier notwithstanding, find out the facts, report or air the facts. The real news of that situation was the lack of transparency and that all parties did not manage any part of it well.  It was not news that Jane repeated what Mary said that cannot be confirmed.  Our enemy is not the press unless we rely on this type of reporting.

No Propaganda! Stop preaching. Stop accusing. Stop spinning.

It is not what the President believes. It is not what the public believes. Nor, what the press believes.

The time for Real News is now!

stevendphilbrick sr+ © 02.21.2016 sukidawg