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Another one is handwaving that a distribution is normal when n > 30 because "central limit theorem!"

Amateur statistics is full of magical numbers and thresholds where everything "just works" :)

When I applied to my MSDA program, I had to interview with the lady who would become my first year mentor. "Now, do it over again... on paper." That's what she'd say to anyone too confident in their outputs. She has a reputation for weeding out people who can pass the entrance testing and qualifications, but can't adapt. And what we do requires thick skin. You're wrong until you just happen to be right.

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