Re: Sampling using summay data

[Ted de Castro <tdc@xrayted.com>]

I most of us here already realized that.  Statistical sampling and
recognition of compounding factors is a given here.  A study without
that isn't even considered.  A study without this would not make it to
publication in a peer reviewed journal.

A study without these BASIC considerations is called Junk Science.

It looks like we all were "starting from a different place" and you did
not know that.

Take the Tooth Fairy Project - that is a sampling from a self selected
group - and for reasons such as you state it isn't given much
credibility here.


Harry Hinks wrote:
> 
> Yes, Ted,
> 
> It is in the math.  I didn't realize Prof. Cohen performed statistical
> sampling when choosing which house to test in a given area?  I thought the
> data set came from individuals who wanted to test for radon becasue of
> health concerns or thought they may be living in a high radon area. I wonder
> if people who have increased concern about their health would have lower
> cancer rates?
> 
> You can add large numbers and get very small error bars, but how do you know
> the data is representative.  Are the summary samplings a statistically valid
> sampling and can it be used in a realistic fashion for risk analysis?  It
> can be compared to the EPA sampling, but even the EPA's almost nationwide
> sampling was never intended for risk analysis.
> 
> You also say,
> 
> To collect the individual data would take a national level government
> >funded mandatory program.  And very few of us would want to pay the
> >taxes that would cost nor tolerate that level of intrusion into out
> >private lives.  I wouldn't!  Maybe in a more totalitarian state this
> >could be done.
> 
> It has been done in studies already performed by Darby, Wichman, Fields,
> Alavanja, and others.
> 
> Harry
> 
> harryhinks@hotmail.com
> 
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