Quote:
Originally Posted by GBGX2
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"Before you freak out and tell us these places might not be so bad, you should know that the data doesn’t lie."
Taken in isolation correct - data does not lie.
A statistical analysis is just that. Where do the statistics come from? Who collects the statistics? What statistics are included and what statistics are not included.
But not all cities and towns collect statistics correctly or in the same way. Some don't report much while others report a great deal.
"Lebanon (NH) is the best place to live in New Hamshire." Something like this was the headline of the Valley News. Dig a little deeper and find out that the author had never set foot in Lebanon, NH. Never spoke with anyone in Lebanon, NH. Never visited town hall. Never did any shopping in Lebanon. Never nothing physically in Lebanon.
Although the folks in Lebanon may like their town I don't see Lebanon, NH as the best town in New Hampshire.
BUT statistics (at that time) made Lebanon, NH the "best" town.
Surveys such as this are good for some uses. But not actual gospel.