Simpson's Paradox Explained in One Minute

Whether we are analyzing something economics-related, something in the medical field or anything else, statistics can be... complex :)

For example, when data seems to be telling you something when it comes to the entire population and something (completely) different when analyzing subpopulations.

Simpson's Paradox, among other things, also explains why vaccines against COVID-19 are actually effective when it comes to improving overall survival despite the fact that there are studies which show that unvaccinated populations tend to live longer.

HOWEVER, this has nothing to do with the vaccines and everything to do with the fact that pretty much all countries prioritized them toward older and more vulnerable individuals. Thus, the fact that vaccinated populations tend not to live longer is simply a function of the fact that... well, they contain far more older individuals, who are obviously more likely to die generally speaking.

When analyzing data one subpopulation at a time, it becomes obvious that vaccines are effective at preventing mortality. With 10 to 20-year-old vaccinated individuals living longer than 10 to 20-year old unvaccinated individuals and the same principle being valid for 20 to 30-year-olds, 30 to 40 year-olds, 40 to 50-year-olds, 50 to 60-year-olds and individuals aged 60+.

When confusion and misinformation run rampant, knowledge is what saves the day and Simpson's Paradox is a much-needed ingredient in the equation :)