The aim of this study is to ascertain if naive people are able to read data provided in table format (three-way) and which information can increase or prevent a correct understanding. The data utilized in the present research illustrated the Simpson’s paradox, in which the relationship between two variable differs depending on whether a third variable is taken in account. Participants, divided in four experimental conditions differentiated by information given about the three variables, had to make a judgement and to report their reasoning. The different experimental conditions lead to different judgements and elicited the use of different strategies. Naive people are able to read the trivariate relationship when the critical variable in the Simpson’s paradox was stressed.

Sandro Franceschini, Francesca Chiesi, Caterina Primi, in "RICERCHE DI PSICOLOGIA " 4/2006, pp. 113-125, DOI: