One problem is that data can be misleading if not presented in a clear and sound manner. Let’s take a look at a real life, aviation example.
The FAA has claimed that runway incursions, incidents when an aircraft or vehicle is on a runway when it is not supposed to be, have been decreasing over the past few years. During this period, the FAA has spent millions of dollars on different systems designed to help reduce these incursions, which the administration claims have been successful in mitigating. Read the FAA’s National Runway Safety Report 2013-2014 (PDF), (Links to an external site.) with particular attention to page 24. Using what you have learned in the readings, discuss whether or not you believe the data indicates an actual or significant reduction in incursions. What would you recommend to augment the FAA report from a data analysis standpoint? Why do you believe this addition is relevant?