Statistical Literacy
The world is continually developing, with significant changes in the advancement of technology. The current world requires people who are literate in almost every field. In this generation, therefore, people need to be continually informed. The technology has advanced in such a way that data is produced and used to explain several phenomena; this, therefore, needs statistically literate citizens. Every day people are swamped with statistical information from media, that is through advertisement, news reports, and even general discussion. Statistical literacy is, therefore, a skill that every individual needs to master to understand what is trending in the world at large.
Consumers in the general public must beware of habits of highly numerate people. For instance, the general public should be aware that sometimes the highly numerate people may produce data that is generalized. Generalization of data often occurs when data providers use a random sampling technique. Most often, random samples are misleading or self-serving, which is biased; data might be collected from one population and projected to a different one. This often provides data that is inaccurate or represent data from a population that is not necessary. Therefore, consumers of survey data should always question how a sample was collected and identify signs that it is a characteristic of the intended population. For instance, in my career field of law enforcement, we do work on several cases that need data as evidence. So, in our investigations, we ensure that the data given is always accurate and from the intended population.
Furthermore, understanding and discernment are fundamental to any statistical provider and consumer. When analyzing data, everyone needs a profound, comprehensive ability and the ability to judge and distinguish the given data keenly. Moreover, understanding and discernment are biblically basic in human life; an example is provided in First Thessalonians 5: 21-22, which teaches the responsibility of judgment to every Christian: “But scrutinize everything; hold fast what is good…” The verse teaches statistical providers and consumers always to be careful about analyzing and interpreting data from any source before making any judgment.
In summary, statistical literacy is critical in the ever-changing world. Data providers should always carefully analyze data before presenting it to the general public. Besides, the consumers of data should also beware that not every data provided is accurate. They should always question provided samples to ensure that it is for the intended purpose. Additionally, understanding and discernment are essential as far as statistics are concerned. Data providers should ensure honesty and accuracy; on the other hand, the consumers should keenly interpret data concerning their numerical.