[IBM] A statistic that is {content-free}, or nearly so. A measure
derived via methods of questionable validity from data of a dubious
and vague nature. Predictively, having a social science number in
hand is seldom much better than nothing, and can be considerably
worse. As a rule, {management} loves them. See also {numbers},
{math-out}, {pretty pictures}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {math-out}{numbers}{to a zeroth approximation}]