Title: Statistical literacy
Course: UGQuants (SSPS) > Section: Beyond data collection and analysis

Statistical literacy

The statistics we are faced with in our day to day lives may be misused in a far less obvious manner than the example provided by Best. It is therefore important that we have the skills to identify and distinguish between appropriate and accurate use and the misuse of statistical data. The ability to do so is often termed statistical literacy. Whilst this course is not a course on statistical literacy, it is worth noting some general guidance as to how we might evaluate the use of statistics.

1 | Firstly, it is important to consider what product or opinion the author is trying to sell to us.
2 | Secondly, consider the context within which the statistical claim is situated. Is there any background information or any other relevant statistics which are not mentioned?
3 | Thirdly, does the conclusion reached by the author logically follow from the statistical data cited?
4 | Fourthly, where statistics are used comparatively, are the comparisons made like-for-like?
5 | Finally, consider the original source of the statistic. Who created the data? How did they create the data? Why did they create the data? When did they create the data?