math lesson
By Diogenes ( articles ) | Jan 07, 2008
Today, class, we'll be doing a simple problem involving statistics.
An American Research Group poll, released on the eve of the New Hampshire primary, shows Senator Obama leading Senator Clinton among the state's likely Democratic voters, by a margin of 11%.
A Franklin Pierce University poll, released the same day, shows Obama leading Clinton by just 3%.
The American Research Group pollsters claim that their results are accurate within 4%; the Franklin Pierce survey gives a 4.9% margin for error.
Question #1: Can these two poll results be reconciled, given the margins of error provided by the pollsters?
Question #2: If so-- if an 11% margin might really be only a 3% margin-- what is the predictive value of these polls?
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Posted by: frjpharrington3912 -
Dec. 04, 2009 11:08 PM ET USA
The purpose of the state is to foster the common good of the community, which consists first and foremost by acknowledging man's inalienable rights which after life itself is the right to freedom of religious expression. The practice of one's religion is an individual rigtht and a social virtue integral to the common good of society. "To secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." Gay marriage is a putative right.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 14, 2009 10:10 PM ET USA
Good points, Paul. The modern Church has the protection of the Holy Spirit concerning Truth, but generally it has not been much impressed with the value of truth and honesty. (Did I mention that "credo" does not mean "we believe"--and its only taken about 40 years to actually decide to tell the truth about that?)
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Posted by: -
Nov. 14, 2009 1:47 AM ET USA
I am embarrassed to expose my naivety and shallow mind, but I have not been able to understand why every one of our bishops does not agree fully with every point made by Diogenes. It seems some bishops do agree-even publicly. Either that, or break down and explain to us why not. Otherwise, I am left to guess that their reason must be that rather chance making parishioners, or politicians uncomfortable, they would prefer to insult Our Lord? Continue praying for our bishops' courage.
