Why don’t surveys tell the truth? Because you don’t!

From BBC Magazine, a really interesting article about how rubbish statistics and surveys are.

The old complaint that there are lies, damned lies and statistics blames the bean counter, the supposed stubby-pencilled bureaucrat who gathers the data, or the slick vote-grabber who mangles the results for a shifty cause.

But who started it? The answer – sorry folks – is you. Want to know who introduces half the junk into junk stats? Look in the mirror.

So any business who just relies on survey data, shouldn’t be surprised if sometimes the survey is rubbish because the respondents lie.

Biscuits can secure the deal

You are organising a meeting and you order coffee and tea, do you order biscuits?

Well of course you do.

However if a survey is to be believed then you should take extra care in which biscuits you choose.

About four out of five UK businesses believe the type of biscuit they serve to potential clients could clinch the deal or make it crumble, a survey says.

BBC reports on this:

About four out of five UK businesses believe the type of biscuit they serve to potential clients could clinch the deal or make it crumble, a survey says.

The outcome of a meeting could be influenced by the range and quality of biscuits, according to 1,000 business professionals quizzed by Holiday Inn.

The chocolate digestive was deemed to make the best impression followed by shortbread and Hob Nobs.

Lawyers were most impressed by good boardroom biccies, the survey added.

The chocolate digestive allegedly is the best biscuit.

Photo source.