A team of researchers from Indiana University performed random testing for SARS-CoV-2 across the state. The results offer some of the most accurate data to date about important aspects of the virus.
Polls and surveys use random sampling. Why not pandemic testing?
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Researchers and public health officials still don’t know how widespread nor how deadly the coronavirus really is. Random testing is a way to quickly and easily learn this important information.
Is the voting booth a stumbling block?
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Randomly selecting citizens to take turns governing offers the promise of reinvigorating struggling democracies, making them more responsive to citizen needs and preferences.
If it seems too good to be true, maybe it is.
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Shrewd media consumers think about these three statistical pitfalls that can be the difference between a world-changing announcement and misleading hype.
And don’t expect chocolate ice cream, either.
Barney Moss
Millions of Americans believe brown cows produce chocolate milk? The way the media reported this factoid raises questions about science literacy – but different ones than you may think.
Polls are best guesses, votes are real.
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People around the world were shocked when Hillary Clinton, ahead in many polls, didn’t end up the U.S.‘ president-elect. But that doesn’t mean the polls themselves were wrong.