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Statistical Flaws & Fallacies

A FactWise Masterclass

Learn how misleading graphs and weak statistics distort decisions, and how to spot them.

Data don’t only get misread. They also get misused: through shortcuts, bad assumptions, poor data quality, weak comparisons, wrong statistical numbers, graphs that can mislead, and so on.

The result is familiar: convincing reports that don’t hold up, internal debates that go in circles, claims that rest on false certainty, and decisions that feel data-driven but aren’t.

This masterclass gives you a structured way to detect the most common statistical flaws and fallacies in business, science and policy making.

This Masterclass teaches you:

The skills and critical mindset to protect yourself and your organisation from statistical misinformation, and apply the principles that lead to sound conclusions.

When?

Spring 2027

Where?

Gent and Antwerp
Join the Class

What you will learn

You will learn why not all data is created equal, how data and statistics are often misused, and how to detect the most common flaws, such as:

  • Measurement flaws (operational definitions, flawed numbers, inaccurate measurements)
  • Bad comparisons & wrong baselines (before/after, selective time windows)
  • Sampling traps (too small, biased selection, missing data)
  • Correlation vs causation (and how causality is smuggled into conclusions)
  • Overconfidence in significance (p-values, multiple testing, ‘statistical vs practical significance’)
  • Ignoring variation (mistaking noise for signals, reacting to random movement)
  • Misleading charts & visuals (axes, scales, truncation, cherry-picked zoom levels)
  • Claim inflation (from “maybe” to “proven”, from “association” to “effect”)

Everything is taught with real-world examples and a simple language.

Format

  • Live, in-person masterclass (or company session)
  • Small group, interactive setting
  • Conceptual clarity over technical detail
  • Discussion, examples, and structured reasoning

Outcome

After this masterclass you’ll be able to recognise misinformation and protect your conclusions from weak evidence, challenge claims, and make decisions with more confidence. You’ll know when numbers are solid, and when they’re not.

About your instructor

Luc Poelman is the founder of FactWise.

With over 25 years of experience in operational excellence, quality management, interim leadership and Lean Six Sigma, he has supported organisations across sectors such as Food, Pharma, Manufacturing, Banking and Automotive.

Luc holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science (VUB). He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, with additional education in statistical software (Minitab), Production & Inventory Management (CIM-CIL) and Business Controllership (Vlerick).

Committed to lifelong learning and practical application, he continuously develops his expertise at the intersection of data, decision-making, and evidence integrity.

His objective for this masterclass: sharpen your critical judgement, helping you recognise misleading statistics, flawed reasoning and overconfident claims — before they lead to wrong conclusions.

Who is this Masterclass for?

This masterclass is for professionals exposed to reports, dashboards, studies, media claims, or policy arguments, who want to recognise and counter (statistical) misinformation.

You’ll benefit most if you:

  • regularly read dashboards, KPI reports, slide decks, audits, validations, papers, or claims
  • need to judge whether conclusions are reliable, or whether you’re looking at noise, bias, or flawed logic
  • want to push back professionally when numbers are used to “prove” too much
  • feel that discussions get stuck because everyone uses a different interpretation of the same data

This is not a heavy math course. It’s a thinking course: clear logic, simple examples, and practical patterns you’ll recognise immediately.

This masterclass is not for you if …

  • you want a deep technical statistics course with formulas and software-focused training
  • you are mainly looking for a “how to run analyses in statistical software” workshop
  • prefer ready-made answers over learning how to challenge reasoning

Questions or practical matters?

If you have any questions about the masterclass content, timing, or practical arrangements, feel free to contact me at info@factwise.be.

Practical details

Upcoming session planned for Spring 2027
Join the Priority List to receive the dates and practical details first.

Location
Gent and Antwerp (exact venue to be confirmed)

Timing
1 day

Price
€ 750 excl VAT

Included
Sandwich lunch
Coffee, tea and water throughout the day

Language
Slides & materials: English
Masterclass delivery: Dutch (or English if preferred)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need statistical knowledge?

A basic familiarity with statistics is helpful. Such as an understanding of averages, variation, and the normal distribution. If not, these concepts will be briefly refreshed at the start of the masterclass.

What software do I require?

A laptop with basic spreadsheet software (e.g. Excel or equivalent). Depending on the topic, we may briefly demonstrate simple statistical tools to illustrate concepts. No advanced software knowledge is required

Do I receive a certificate?

Yes. A certificate of completion can be provided upon simple request.

Is the KMO-portefeuille applicable?

No, this masterclass is not eligible for the KMO-portefeuille.

Join the Priority List

This masterclass is currently in preparation.

If the masterclass aligns with your interests, you can join the Priority List to receive the programme and registration details as soon as they are available.

What the Priority List means:

  • Early access to the programme and dates

  • First opportunity to register

  • No payment and no obligation

If you have any questions regarding the masterclass, feel free to contact me at info@factwise.be

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