Identifying Biases and the Relevant Statistical Population: The Case of the Loch Ness Monster

We used a database of Loch Ness Monster reports to show university level students how important it is to think about bias and the identification of the correct statistical population. The Loch Ness Monster reports database illustrates the importance of considering independence, inaccuracy and imprec...

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Published inJournal of statistics and data science education Vol. 33; no. 3; pp. 279 - 284
Main Authors Paxton, Charles G. M., Shine, Adrian J., Popov, Valentin M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Alexandria Taylor & Francis Ltd 03.07.2025
Taylor & Francis Group
Subjects
Anomalies
Cryptozoology
Data Processing
Database Management Systems
Inferences
Monsters
Science education
Science Instruction
Statistical Data
Students
Wind
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Summary:We used a database of Loch Ness Monster reports to show university level students how important it is to think about bias and the identification of the correct statistical population. The Loch Ness Monster reports database illustrates the importance of considering independence, inaccuracy and imprecision when considering data and how statisticians might handle anecdotes as data. Whilst the data is inappropriate for directly making inferences about Loch Ness Monsters, it may be appropriate for making inferences about the population of Loch Ness Monster reports.
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ISSN:2693-9169
2693-9169
DOI:10.1080/26939169.2025.2455195