Dry vs Wet Statistical Data
STATISTICAL CLAIMS NEED CAREFUL REVIEW
Attached is a statistical analysis of some comments found in recent “Letters to the Editor” on the Madison Voice. Please keep in mind that statistics must pass the test for Validity and Reliability to be a basis for valid conclusions.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
BY
PATRICK E. LIGHTCAP
AUGUST 12, 2012
What appears to be in favor of the “wetters” since there are quite a few more wet counties than dry in Florida, as reported by Mr. Lightcap, alcohol-related accidents for Madison were 11.4 %, while for the entire State was only 8.9%. I believe a difference of almost 3% higher is statistically significant given the huge difference in sample populations.
Interesting stats on drinking and other health related issues on this site. Seems 19 percent of our population like their elixir. check out the data.
http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/florida/2012/madison/county/1/overall
Out of curiosity, does anyone have the stats from when Madison allowed beer? Seeing as that is one of the arguments for allowing Madison to go wet, I would be interested in seeing what happened to the dui stats, crime stats, etc.
Data can help us to make decisions. Statistics is concerned with probability. Emotion will
trump reason.
Pat, as usual, has a to the point presentation.
I guess we can’t change the law back to ‘dry’ if ‘wet’ doesn’t work out?
Well you know what they about statistics; “90% of statistics are only correct 50% of the time.”
Kidding a side; thanks Mr. Pat, I like it when people post the sources of their information.