Lesson 9 Worksheet: Breaking Down Statistics and Testimony For question 1, use what you learned in Chapter 8. Identify the sample, the sample size, the finding, the population, the extent of the generalization, and the property. Then, assess whether the generalization employs the statistical evidence in a sound manner. (8pts) Evidence Statement: A random sample of 20,000 American high schoolers from different regions of the country indicated that 5% consider the U.S. Space program to be the most important financial priority for the government. Generalization Statement: It is unfortunate that only a small minority of these up-and-coming U.S. voters consider the space program to be worth funding at all; if this trend continues, we are likely to see the space program completely defunded! Sample: Sample size: Finding: Population: Extent of the generalization: Property: As you learned, one basic question that we should ask when an arguer uses any kind of statistic to support a claim is whether that evidence has been interpreted correctly. Do you think the person drawing the generalization above has correctly interpreted the statistical evidence described in the evidence statement? In other words, do you think the information in the evidence statement actually allows the arguer to draw the generalization presented? (Note: I am NOT asking you to assess the representativeness of the sample). Explain your answer:

For questions 2-4 (worth 4 pts each), use what you learned in Chapter 9. For each statement, determine whether the testimony described is lay or expert and whether it is biased, reluctant, or unbiased. Clearly, explain your rationale for each answer. You testify in court that a recently deceased eccentric millionaire signed a note leaving you $6 million after you helped him to change a flat tire that had stranded him in a Nevada desert. Lay or Expert? Explain your answer: Biased, Reluctant, or Unbiased? Explain your answer:

An independent handwriting analyst, called by the court and not associated with clients on either side of the case, testified in court that a recently deceased eccentric millionaire signed a note leaving you $6 million. Lay or Expert? Explain your answer: Biased, Reluctant, or Unbiased? Explain your answer: Although it would mean that he would lose out on a large sum of inheritance money, the son of the eccentric millionaire testified in court that his father had signed a note leaving you $6 million dollars. Lay or Expert? Explain your answer: Biased, Reluctant, or Unbiased? Explain your answer: