Statistical Literacy Framework
The information we get from the news and other media can shape our world view and decisions we make, both big and small. That is why statistical literacy is so important. If we misunderstand how statistics are reported and represented, we could make mistakes that affect our health, livelihood, and the lives of our loved ones.
Whenever you run into statistics in the media, as yourself these 7 questions:
1. Credibility
- Who collected, processed and reported this data, and for what purpose?
- Is it a credible source?
- Ask yourself if they have/could have an agenda or financial incentive to make this claim
2. Data Coverage
- Does the scope of the data match the claim being made?
- What is the data about, exactly? What is included and excluded?
- If it is a sample, how big and representative is it?
3. Clarity
- How are the terms defined, and are they used consistently?
- Some categories and measures are straightforward and objective (e.g. number of students in a class), while others are not (e.g. how happy these students are.
4. Granularity
- What is the level of detail given?
- Did you just get a summary statistic (e.g. an average) or do you have a chart? To what level of detail? What could be hiding here?
5. Plausibility
- Is the claim extraordinary?
- Does it go against common sense and the accepted science of the field? If yes, triple your attention.
6. Self-Awareness
- What do you feel when you come across the claim and/or statistic?
- Take some time to perceive your own believs and biases (e.g. confirmation bias) before making connections.
7. Counter-Evidence
- Is there contextual knowledge or counter-evidence that can challenge the claim?
- Is there a counter-evidence or another statistic that changes the strength or could invalidate the original claim?
Statistical literacy: 7 questions to ask yourself when checking statistics - Growth Tribe. (2025, February 11). Growth Tribe. https://growthtribe.io/blog/statistical-literacy-7-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-checking-statistics/
