Pseudostatistics

Pseudostatistics is the use of statistical language, calculations and numbers to reinforce an argument when the actual statistics used are inappropriate, misapplied, miscalculated, or even completely made up. Pseudostatistics can take many forms, ranging from the obvious "95 percent of all people" clichés that get dropped in random bar conversations, to complex and subtle misapplications in purportedly scientific works. Many forms of pseudoscience, woo and denialism use pseudostatistics to bamboozle their audience into accepting otherwise obviously flawed arguments and logical fallacies.

Style over substance
Pseudoscience
Popular pseudosciences
Random examples
v - t - e
“”It's like ripping the shiniest part out of a Lamborghini engine and claiming you have the ability to sprint at 300 kilometers per hour.
—Cracked[1]
“”Lies, damned lies, and statistics
—Benjamin Disraeli, or Mark Twain, depending on your preferences

See also

References
  1. "8 obvious signs statistics are lying to you"
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