Also known under other names as: Weak Analogy, or False Cause depending upon the context, the False Analogy is one of the most common propaganda techniques used. It is especially useful in the field of statistics, politics and advertising.
In a false analogy, two concepts or events are associated with each other without any specific evidence indicating an interactive relationship.
Fox News is one of the great perpetrators of false analogies. Here's a prime example:
In the above capture from a typical Fox News broadcast, the crawl say, "Gas prices up 39% since Dems picked Nancy Pelosi". Unfortunately, there is absolutely no evidence presented to indicate a cause-effect relationship between Nancy Pelosi becoming speaker of the House of Representatives, and rising gas prices. However, the statement suggests the idea, the false analogy that both the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi are responsible for rising fuel prices.
Obviously such statements are misleading and erroneous. But many people are still influenced by illogical and inaccurate characterizations.
Last updated by Nelson Feb 14, 2009.