How We’re Fooled By Statistics

Why HN readers recommended it

HN commenters link it as the clearest short explanation of regression to the mean, especially for how it misleads people about feedback and statistics.

This is a summary from the source dataset, not an endorsement by Hacker News or the video creator.

Video & recommendation details

Creator / channel

Veritasium

Topic

regression to the mean

Format

explainer

Level

general

HN recommenders in dataset

3

HN mentions in dataset

4

Recommendation years in dataset

2014–2025

These counts and years describe the included Hacker News records; they are not YouTube views or the video’s publication date.

From the original HN conversations

Excerpts from the recorded comments. Follow each source for the full comment and surrounding discussion.

• Or perhaps it's just the old phrase "Lies, damned lies, and statistics" that is appropriate once again? Veritasium explains it better than me. Please watch [VIDEO]

• >Recognizing people's successes and what they are doing well is a 1000% more effective than harping on what people have messed up Yes, this is (verifiably) true. One must be aware, however, that positive feedback is usually going to be ineffective, thanks to natural "regression …

• > results are so obviously and immediately measurable Ehm… not really – especially not the "obviously" part :) Controlled or even abusive coaching can sometimes lead to better short-term results, but often at the cost of athletes’ mental health and long-term performance. What’s worse, coaching …