Final answer:
Traditional statistics have not reached their sell by date, but due diligence in their application and ethical use are necessary. Both Lily Tran's consideration for using old statistics through analysis and the combination with anecdotal evidence highlights that while statistics have limitations, they remain a valuable tool when used appropriately.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering whether traditional statistics have reached their "sell-by" date, it is important to reflect on several aspects. Ethics in statistics is a significant concern as misuse and misrepresentation can lead to skepticism about statistical validity. Statistical fraud is another issue to bear in mind; researchers may selectively use data that only supports their hypotheses.
Lily Tran suggests that even outdated statistics can be valuable through careful analysis and the potential to extrapolate trends. This indicates that while traditional statistics have limitations, they can still be useful. To enhance credibility and engagement, statistical evidence should be complemented with anecdotal evidence, as solely relying on statistics might not resonate with all readers.
Therefore, the use of traditional statistics hasn't necessarily expired but does require a mindful approach. Combining old data with new analysis techniques and supporting it with qualitative examples—just as Lily Tran anticipates doing—could indeed strengthen the argument and make the use of statistics more robust and relevant.