Last month, as a proof of why we must be extra careful when handling data, Professor Jeffrey Morris analysed if the 1984 movie Ghostbusters was killing people.

In an exercise that demonstrates common errors of reasoning and analysis, Professor Morris ‘showed’ that death rate of 10-59 year olds who have watched the 1984 movie Ghostbusters was twice as high as for those who watched the 2021 movie.

Professor Morris said that he didn’t know how to explain this other than movie-caused mortality.

You can check his analysis yourself here.

Ethos CRS specialises in data literacy.

If you want to have the skills that will enable you to understand if the 1984 Ghostbusters movie is likely to cause death, then ask us about our workshop, Turning stats into stories, which is delivered by our expert facilitator Mary Harwood. Contact us at service@ethoscrs.com.au or 02 6247 2225.