Unstatistic of the Month
Since 2012, the economist and RWI vice president Thomas Bauer, Gerd Gigerenzer, and the statistician Walter Krämer - joined by Katharina Schüller, managing director and founder of STAT-UP in 2018 - have been writing a monthly column that scrutinizes published statistics and their interpretation in the media. Their mission is to promote an objective and rational approach to data and facts.
Listen to the Unstatistic Podcast (German) on Spotify
August 2025
When statistics become a political issue: How unfounded accusations of manipulation damage democracy
Statistics form the basis for important decisions in politics and economics. When allegations of statistical manipulation are made, more than just rows of numbers begin to unravel. Two recent cases show how heedlessly accusations against the Federal Statistical Office are handled in Germany—and why objectivity is now more important than ever. Read More
July 2025
Relative risks, absolute confusion: Why mammography screening does not deliver what it promises
The “Unstatistic of the Month” for July is the systematic misinformation about mammography screening. A prominent example shows how supposed successes are exaggerated and potential harms are concealed — to the detriment of informed patient decisions. Read More
June 2025
Whit Monday is worth €8.6 billion – really?
Whether fewer public holidays could boost Germany's gross domestic product is a perennial debate – most recently with an eye on Whit Monday. Some estimates reckon with up to €8.6 billion. The “Unstatistik des Monats” (“Unstatistic” of the Month) for June asks: What is the truth behind such calculations? And how reliable are the figures? Read More
Books in German:
“Jede/r sollte ein wenig statistisches Denken beherrschen. Und da gibt es kaum einen einfacheren und amüsanteren Einstieg in die Materie als dieses Buch.”
