Statistics Sanity Check
Check denominator, baseline, time window, units and absolute versus relative change.
What this tool is for
How to use it
The sanity check forces a statistic back into its measurement frame. Write the number as quoted, then add denominator, baseline, time window, unit, absolute change, relative change and any source-table footnote that changes interpretation.
What it does not prove
The tool does not test the full statistical model. It catches common reporting errors such as missing denominators, cherry-picked start dates, confusing estimates with counts and presenting a relative increase without the absolute scale.
When to escalate
Use it whenever a number appears to carry the whole argument. Health risks, crime rates, budgets, polling and market data are especially sensitive to denominator and baseline choices that headlines may omit.