Applebees vs. Starbucks “OR”
Math Medic
There are times in statistics when we have to fight the English language because we need a more specific and precise definition of the English word (bias, plausible, significant). “OR” is a classic example.
Applebees “OR”
You decide to go to Applebees for lunch and order the Triple Bacon Burger®. The server smiles and proceeds to ask you a very important question:
“Would you like french fries OR onion rings?”
In this context, “OR” means one or the other but not both (you would be charged extra to get both).
Starbucks “OR”
After your lunch visit to Applebees, you decide to get a pick-me-up at Starbucks. You order a (too bitter) cup of the house blend. The barista smiles and proceeds to ask you a very important question:
“Would you like cream OR sugar?”
In this context, “OR” means one or the other or both.
So which “OR” do we want for Statistics?
The winner here is Starbucks. When we are thinking about the event A OR B, this includes 3 possibilities: (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) A and B (this would be the left pacman, the right pacman, and the football in a Venn Diagram).
As a final note, logicians and computer scientists make a clear distinction between the inclusive or and the exclusive or.
About the Author
Sarah Stecher
Sarah is our “content creator” in every sense of the term. In addition to designing lessons, Sarah writes blog posts, develops resources, and leads Math Medic workshops for schools and districts. She’s also our go-to for AP Calc and Precalc questions from teachers, since that’s what she was teaching before she joined the team. Along with Lindsey and Luke, Sarah was a high school teacher who taught 150+ students every year at East Kentwood High School.