Partial Truths: How Fractions Distort Our Thinking

Errors of this type can be found from antiquity to the present, from the Peloponnesian War to the COVID-19 pandemic. James C. Zimring argues that many of the mistakes that the human mind consistently makes boil down to misperceiving fractions and that these flaws might benefit us. He blends key scientific research in cognitive psychology with accessible real-life examples to help readers spot the fallacies lurking in everyday information.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

A fast-food chain attempted to rival McDonald's quarter-pounder with a third-pound hamburger, but it failed when consumers perceived a third pound as less than a quarter pound due to the number "three" being less than "four."

Separately, a surge in suicides among teenagers who played Dungeons and Dragons led to panic among parents and the media. They believed that Dungeons and Dragons was responsible for teenage suicides, when in reality, teenage D&D players had a lower suicide rate than the national average.

These types of errors have occurred throughout history, from ancient times to the present, including events such as the Peloponnesian War and the COVID-19 pandemic.

James C. Zimring argues that a significant number of the mistakes that the human mind makes stem from misperceiving fractions. We encounter numerous statistics, such as percentages, probabilities, frequencies, and rates, and often misinterpret them. Sometimes, individuals manipulate us by selectively presenting data or distorting information; other times, careless communicators inadvertently lead us astray. In many instances, we deceive ourselves, and the fault lies solely with our own minds.

Zimring also delves into the counterintuitive notion that these flaws can be advantageous, demonstrating that individual errors can be highly beneficial for problem-solving by groups. By blending key scientific research in cognitive psychology with accessible real-life examples, Partial Truths assists readers in identifying the fallacies lurking in everyday information, spanning various domains such as politics, criminal justice, religion, science, business strategies, and New Age culture.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 165 x 247 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231201384