Misuse of statistics: Time to speak out

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pullinger, John

Affiliations: International Association for Official Statistics | E-mail: [email protected]

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: International Association for Official Statistics. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Statistics are the currency of debate and the basis for sound decisions. If they are misused the currency of debate is devalued and the basis for decision making is undermined. Without confidence in statistics, decision makers are flying blind when they make their choices and citizens are in the dark in seeking to hold those decision makers to account. Misuse of statistics undermines trust and by doing so it undermines democracy. This paper explores the safeguards available to protect against misuse of statistics. It describes the nature of the threats and how they are changing before assessing the responses. It concludes that there is unfinished business to be taken forward.

Keywords: Misuse of statistics, democracy, fundamental principles

DOI: 10.3233/SJI-210783

Journal: Statistical Journal of the IAOS, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 79-84, 2021