How Not to Lie with Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science

American Journal of Political Science, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 666-687, August 1986

22 Pages Posted: 17 Jan 2008

Abstract

This article identifies a set of serious theoretical mistakes appearing with troublingly high frequency throughout the quantitative political science literature. These mistakes are all based on faulty statistical theory or on erroneous statistical analysis. Through algebraic and interpretive proofs, some of the most commonly made mistakes are explicated and illustrated. The theoretical problem underlying each is highlighted, and suggested solutions are provided throughout. It is argued that closer attention to these problems and solutions will result in more reliable quantitative analyses and more useful theoretical contributions.

Suggested Citation

King, Gary, How Not to Lie with Statistics: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Quantitative Political Science. American Journal of Political Science, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 666-687, August 1986 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1084228

Gary King (Contact Author)

Harvard University ( email )

1737 Cambridge St.
Institute for Quantitative Social Science
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
617-500-7570 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://gking.harvard.edu