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How Statistics Can Foul the Meaning of DNA Evidence

azoblue writes with a piece in New Scientist that might make you rethink the concept of "statistical certainty." As the article puts it, "even when analysts agree that someone could be a match for a piece of DNA evidence, the statistical weight assigned to that match can vary enormously, even by orders of magnitude." Azoblue writes: "For instance, in one man's trial the DNA evidence statistic ranged from 1/95,000 to 1/13, depending on the different weighing methods used by the defense and the prosecution."

2 of 215 comments (clear)

  1. Here's a tip: DON'T GET ARRESTED !! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    If you are arrested, statistically YOU FUCKING DID THE CRIME !! Don't do the crime if you can't do the time: DON'T DO IT !!

    And for all you fucking lip readers out there:

    D.O.N.'.T. D.O. I.T. !.!.

  2. Re:Numbers don't lie. by Beelzebud · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Are you actually that dense?