Sample size abuse
Draws firm conclusions from a dataset too small to support them.
Specimen
In our survey of twelve business owners, 75% said the regulation had harmed their revenues — a clear signal of broader damage.
Fabricated passage — teaching example designed for clarity.
sample size abuse — 75% of twelve (nine people) presented as evidence of systemic harm
Dissection
In our survey of twelve business owners, 75% said the regulation had harmed their revenues — a clear signal of broader damage.
- n=12
- percentage sounds precise
- generalised to entire sector
Field notes
- Family
- Data & evidence issue
- Habitat
- trade journalism, economic commentary, policy advocacy
- Frequency
- found in 9% of analyzed articles
- Confused with
- Misleading statistic , Hasty generalisation
In the wild
"Eight out of ten dentists we spoke to recommend this product — that's 80%."
Product journalism, consumer publication, February 2026
"In a poll of fifteen industry insiders, two-thirds predicted a downturn."
Business reporting, financial publication, April 2026
Why it works
Percentages carry statistical authority regardless of sample size. 75% sounds like evidence; nine out of twelve does not.
Counter-move
Find the n. What size sample would you need to be confident in this conclusion?
See it flagged in real articles while you read.
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