Thomas Rogers
Well-Known Member
Gavin,
Good point. Numbers themselves are meaningless until interpreted, and any set of numbers can be interpreted anyway one wants.
For example, let's say asian imports were beating domestic sales for a given year. Well, one COULD interpret those numbers to say that loyal domestic brand buyers hold onto their vehicles longer, because they can, because the quality is better, while those that buy the inferior quality imports buy more frequently...thus their inflated numbers.
Now, of course, without all the data at hand (data like average age of each brand held by consumers), that interpretation is as good as any other equally (un)informed interpretation.
The issue most people have, especially when looking at statistics, or debating such similar points (in the internet or in person) is that they tend to take what they know, what they think they know, and what they have experienced, and they use all of that as a lense through which to view the data and the information at hand. That then leads them to draw conclusions.
Because we all have different experiences, beliefs, opinions, etc, we each have different lenses. That is why two different people can look at the same thing, and often see two very different things. The ironic part, is that often the case is such that they are BOTH right...from their own POV. The truly evolved are able to try to understand the other's POV, and to be able to put on and understand their lense...if for no other reason than to understand WHY their view is valid (for them).
TJR
Good point. Numbers themselves are meaningless until interpreted, and any set of numbers can be interpreted anyway one wants.
For example, let's say asian imports were beating domestic sales for a given year. Well, one COULD interpret those numbers to say that loyal domestic brand buyers hold onto their vehicles longer, because they can, because the quality is better, while those that buy the inferior quality imports buy more frequently...thus their inflated numbers.
Now, of course, without all the data at hand (data like average age of each brand held by consumers), that interpretation is as good as any other equally (un)informed interpretation.
The issue most people have, especially when looking at statistics, or debating such similar points (in the internet or in person) is that they tend to take what they know, what they think they know, and what they have experienced, and they use all of that as a lense through which to view the data and the information at hand. That then leads them to draw conclusions.
Because we all have different experiences, beliefs, opinions, etc, we each have different lenses. That is why two different people can look at the same thing, and often see two very different things. The ironic part, is that often the case is such that they are BOTH right...from their own POV. The truly evolved are able to try to understand the other's POV, and to be able to put on and understand their lense...if for no other reason than to understand WHY their view is valid (for them).
TJR
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