Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics
May 6, 2010
- In your opinion, why do so many people have a such "fear" of mathematics?
- Why do you feel it is more important to look into the depth of numbers vs the breadth of numbers?
In your opinion, why do so many people have a such "fear" of mathematics?
This is a complex issue. Many people are aware that they cannot "do" mathematics; while at the same time they are also aware that a minority can. So people are aware that there is a competency gap. This, paired with the perceived correlation of mathematics competency with intelligence, probably results in a disability inference, which in turn results in shame, and avoidance of attempting to practice and learn mathematics. Hence, a locked-in attitude that results in anxiety and fear.
Why do you feel it is more important to look into the depth of numbers vs the breadth of numbers?
It is pretty much an issue of how one masters a subject matter or skill. Mastery depends on interest and deliberate practice. And this almost always means specialization in a particular area. To put it another way, mastery of a breadth curriculum in mathematics that covers many topics (as most do today) requires that students be polymaths—i.e., interested in all aspects of mathematics and willing to indulge in deliberate practice on all. Very few of us are polymaths.
