See article on statistics

From: The Conversation [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 29 November 2016 06:30
To: Macfarlane, Alison
Subject: Belief podcast, statistics, polar energy

Edition: UK - Today's top story: Anthill 7: On belief Click here to view this message in your web-browser.

Edition: UK
29 November 2016

Editor's note

Like it or not, beliefs permeate everything we do. Whether it's confidence that the sun will rise tomorrow morning or that the majority of scientists aren't lying about climate change, our belief systems are intrinsic to how we live and the decisions we make. From cults and conspiracy theories to experiments with mind control, our latest podcast takes a critical look at this topic of belief.

Journalism too is not immune from these issues. Statistics are a staple of the trade and during the EU referendum both sides quoted them freely in support of their viewpoint. But did anyone subject them to more than superficial scrutiny? Stephen Cushion and Justin Lewis warn that unchallenged data can be a dangerous thing.

Record low levels of sea ice have made much of the Arctic more accessible than ever. But the region's oil and gas reserves still remain buried deep underground, in very hostile locations. Michael John Laiho pours polar water on the idea of an Arctic oil boom.

Annabel Bligh

Business and Economy Editor

Top story

What do you believe in? shutterstock.com

Anthill 7: On belief

Will de Freitas, The Conversation; Annabel Bligh, The Conversation; Gemma Ware, The Conversation

Four stories on belief: from the allure of cults and conspiracy theories, to the effect of trauma on faith, to the way dogma has influenced science – and if technology can actually shift our beliefs.

Politics + Society

· Lies! Damned lies and statistics: why reporters must handle data with care

Stephen Cushion, Cardiff University; Justin Lewis, Cardiff University

Is the news media using data journalism properly?

· Can the child abuse inquiry retain the integrity it needs to survive?

Donna Peach, University of Salford

Alexis Jay seems to realise failure is not an option – but she needs to bail out what looks like a sinking ship.

· How paedophiles speak to children online

Cristina Izura, Swansea University; Nuria Lorenzo-Dus, Swansea University

New research offers valuable insights into the linguistic strategies used to groom child victims.

· François Fillon is the man to take on Le Pen in France's 2017 presidential race

David Lees, University of Warwick

He's the surprise winner of the republican nomination, but Fillon is in a strong position to attack the weaknesses of the far right.

· Our political beliefs predict how we feel about climate change

Neil Levy, University of Oxford

Sceptics are not necessarily less intelligent or knowledgeable.

Environment + Energy

· Four myths about the supposed oil and gas bonanza in the Arctic

Michael John Laiho, Durham University

The region's reserves are in very deep water and won't be tapped into any time soon.

Business + Economy

· Sanctions haven't transformed North Korea – but trade with China might

Kevin Gray, University of Sussex

The incoming Trump administration could do worse than learn from China in devising a new policy of economic engagement with North Korea.

· Why getting rid of letting agent fees won't solve renters' biggest problems

Tom Moore, University of Sheffield

Without better regulation, renting will still be insecure and unaffordable.

Arts + Culture

· Why nakedness is an apt way to protest the Trump presidency

Barbara Brownie, University of Hertfordshire

Nakedness has long been employed as a gesture of defiance, highlighting the plight of the oppressed.

Education

· The top five reasons the rich like to donate to universities

Beth Breeze, University of Kent

Why higher education is a worthy cause for the rich and famous.

· How male teachers can help to challenge gender roles in nursery school education

Jo Warin, Lancaster University

The gender gap matters, and we need to recruit, train and retain more men to care for and educate our youngest children

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