This problem is a UK government area of research interest (ARI) that was originally posted at https://ari.org.uk/ by a UK government organisation to indicate that they are keen to see research related to this area.
Use of statistics: Who is using official statistics, where do they find them, how are they being used, and what influences this? What do people look for in statistics or data being used as evidence to have confidence in using them, and how can we build this confidence?
When a statistics producer releases a statistic or other data, it does not exist in a vacuum. People may access the statistic, try to understand its insights, use it, form judgements based on what they have learnt, and ultimately make decisions and take certain actions. Statistics are central to public debate – in the media and in policy decisions. Consequently, how a statistic is accessed and used is as important as its production for determining whether it serves the public good.
OSR has already commissioned some research into how statistics are understood by the public, such as Jessica McMaster’s review on statistical literacy. However, we want to further enrich our understanding of consumption of statistics, including how statistics are used by individuals and organisations. We have greater knowledge in some areas, for example we have a programme of work on Analytical Leadership in government which (in part) seeks to uphold the integrity of analytical evidence and support robust evidence in policy development, but we are seeking a wider and more detailed picture of the role of evidence in decision-making by a range of users.
A deeper understanding of the role of statistics in public debate better enables its protection and promotion. However, as a regulator we must also understand the threats to the role of statistics. Whilst we have investigated misinformation, and we intervene directly in instances of misuse, this is a fast-changing environment and additional research is always welcome.
Contact details
If you would like to share evidence or collaborate with us on any of these areas, please contact us at research.function@statistics.gov.uk.
Related UKRI Projects
- Understanding data, understanding society: using quantitative narratives to embed evidence, argument and data within the undergraduate curriculum
- Understanding Society Through Secondary Data Analysis: Quantitative Methods over the Undergraduate Life Course
- Administrative Data Research Centres 2018
- Social Science Section at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
- Informing Healthy Public Policy
- The use of interactive electronic-books in the teaching and application of modern quantitative methods in the social sciences
- Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology Social Science Section (Phase 3)
- Methodological Advancements on the use of Administrative Data in Official Statistics