Stats Aren't Racist, People Are Racist

Statistics vs Correlational Studies. Do you know the difference?

Correlational research is used to find out whether one or more variables can predict other variables. Whereas statistics are scientific collection and analyzation of data. So how does this relate to racism? Psych IRL took to the internet in the height of the presidential candidate race to prove that using correlation studies to back racist comments is all too common.

In her Racist Logic | Correlation Studies video, she sheds light on the idea that many people believe the correlations to be fact, which fuels racism. She explains how environment, poverty and education levels are proven statistics that cause a rise in crime, not the color of your skin. Psych IRL wants you to consider that believing otherwise is equal to believing that an increase of ice cream sales causes more murders. These are both correlation studies that have no statistics to back them.

But don't look at correlation studies as completely useless. When they're done correctly they can be very useful. Just remember, they're not fact, just a useful tool.