Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra I with Probability

MA19.A1.36b

Recognize and explore situations where the association between two categorical variables is reversed when a third variable is considered (Simpson’s Paradox).

COS Examples

Example: In a certain city, Hospital 1 has a higher fatality rate than Hospital 2. But when considering mildly-injured patients and severely-injured patients as separate groups, Hospital 1 has a lower fatality rate among both groups than Hospital 2, since Hospital 1 is a Level 1 Trauma Center. Thus, Hospital 1 receives most of the severely injured patients who are less likely to survive overall but have a better chance of surviving in Hospital 1 than they would in Hospital 2.

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