Out of the box Avoid any criticism without checking the facts
Once in a while, someone will criticise the survey in the Wisdom of the Crowd - saying that the sample size is small and is biased.

He might even make a personal remark that "as a statistician, Mr. Tan should know about this flaw".

This person thinks that he (or she) is "smart".

If he is circumspect, he would have known about the following:

a) In the website, I already stated that this is a self selected sample and the results should be treated like any straw poll.

b) There was no pretension that it represents a statistically reliable survey.

c) To carry out a statistically reliable survey, the cost will probably be more than $20,000 - but the "smart person" thinks that it can be done for free.

d) If he has been following the survey for a while - instead of giving his "smart opinion" without proper consideration, he would have known about these features.

Before giving an opinion that is critical of another person's view, it is important to do some research and reflection first.

Tan Kin Lian

Vote - do you agree that a person should avoid criticising another person without checking the facts and understanding the context?

Add Comment

---