Scientists’ ‘trick’ not same as trickery
The Post’s editorial page had some interesting submissions on 11-30-09 which, unfortunately for the reading public, had some glaring errors. I will address two of these.
Mr. Teeter’s letter suggested that deceit was involved when the word “trick” was discovered among e-mails among climate scientists in reference to how data was analyzed about man-made global warming (a story that is now widely circulated). This is to support the notion that climate scientists are not wholly honest in their statistical analysis and apparently slant it to show human caused global warming.
However, the word “trick” is actually casually used in regards to the use of inferential statistics to refer to various complicated techniques to help better make sense of complicated and large data sets. No dishonest manipulation is occurring.
Star Parker’s falsehood is even bigger. She discusses the case of Michael Oher in the movie, “The Blind Side.” While trying to make a specious case about the problems of government involvement in helping underprivileged children, she mentione the ‘unheard of’ occurrence of a dramatic rise in IQ of this individual (from 80 to 114 with repeated testing).
She cited that one’s IQ is like there shoe size, indicating this is unchangeable. However, it is common to have changes in IQ scores, and while unusual, IQ changes of a large magnitude do occur for many reasons, including enrichment of one’s learning.
Briefly put, an IQ is a score on a test and can vary by 10 points or more in at least 10 percent of cases. As a psychologist, I have often seen changes of this magnitude and occasionally one as great as reportedly occurred for Mr. Oher.
ó Tim Truemper
Salisbury
North YFL victorious
Congratulations to the third- and fourth-grade North Rowan Cavaliers on their recent YFL Superbowl victory and finishing the season with a perfect 8-0 record.
The team consisted of exactly 12 third-graders and 12 fourth-graders.
It was truly gratifying to see these young men take the field for the past eight weekends and play with passion and intensity.
The team was led by head Coach Kenny Karriker, with the assistance of Dwayne Lawson, Sean Perry and Scott Palmer.
Thanks to the coaches for your time, effort and dedication in teaching these kids the fundamentals of football.
ó Dickie Stoner
Salisbury