The Ecological Fallacy: how to spot one and tips on how to use one to your advantage
Abstract
The ecological fallacy is a common and little understood error in the interpretation of statistical data wherein inferences about individuals are based on the aggregate of the group from which they belong. The paper overviews the importance of avoiding the error and illustrates the ease with which mistakes in inference can be made by examining a paper presented at the last ANZMAC conference, and by demonstrating with artificial data representing Hofstede's cultural dimensions. It concludes with an appeal for caution when considering the combination of aggregate data with our surveys of individuals.
Conference Title
ANZMAC 2005
Publisher URI
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2005. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. For information about this conference please refer to the conference’s website or contact the author(s).