Quoting dominance predicated on Google hunt: Why its an awful idea

Some individuals look the net having some topics and you can next use the number of listings (“hits”) per matter to position the new cousin popularity of the fresh new subject areas. In the 2011 Combined Statistical Conferences (JSM), I got the chance to attend several talks by statisticians out-of Google and other higher Web sites companies. As i talked with many of them statisticians immediately after talks, they verified the thing i got suspected: it is an awful idea so you can imagine brand new popularity of one or device in line with the outcome of an on-line look.

A situation studies: Hot animals rather than burgers

Easily seek “scorching dogs,” search engines informs me you can find “from the 26,700,000 efficiency.” Easily check for “burgers,” I’ve found that there exists “about 20,900,000 abilities.” Besides just how many performance, but also the amount of Websites hunt favor “hot animals” over “hamburgers”. Is it appropriate in conclusion you to hot animals be common than burgers? You can find out because of the examining statistics that are about usage.

The new National Hot-dog & Sausage Council rates you to You merchandising sales out of very hot animals was over $1.68 billion, hence doesn’t range from the 21.4 billion scorching dogs consumed on a yearly basis just at major-league baseball online game. Add in carnivals, fairs, and you may cafeterias, additionally the the fact is clear: sizzling hot pet are well-known.

At the same time, hamburgers is common, too. (more…)