Here’s an example of funnel plots used in a completely different context—this time showing that a BBC reporter is overinterpreting statistical noise. (Hilarilously, the BBC makes a public statement defending their report that shows that they—whoever wrote the statement anyway—failed to understand the criticism, see this for a catalog of the back and forth).
Dr Goldacre suggests the difference between the best- and worst-performing authorities falls within a range that could be expected through chance. But this does not change the fact that there is a threefold difference between the best and worst local authorities.
Here’s an example of funnel plots used in a completely different context—this time showing that a BBC reporter is overinterpreting statistical noise. (Hilarilously, the BBC makes a public statement defending their report that shows that they—whoever wrote the statement anyway—failed to understand the criticism, see this for a catalog of the back and forth).
Emphasis added for extra hilarity.