Understanding Statistics Is NOT Necessary to Be an Effective Citizen

QUESTION

As Marriott (2014) reviews the development of statistical thinking over the last century, he provides an interesting quotation from the 1950 address given by S.S. Wilks to the 110th Annual Meeting of the American Statistical Association, in which Wilks states, “Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write” (p. 79).

Review the article, The Future of Statistical Thinking. Take a position. Is it true today that statistics are necessary in modern society?

First, title your post either “Understanding Statistics Is Necessary to Be an Effective Citizen” or “Understanding Statistics Is NOT Necessary to Be an Effective Citizen.”

For your initial post, address the following:

• Make your case by persuasively supporting your position. Include at least one recent (within the past five years) scholarly source to support your position.
• Relate one of these programmatic course themes to your position about whether statistics are indispensable in modern society. You may want to review the Programmatic Themes document.
  • Social justice
  • Career connections

In your responses to your peers, consider how well they justified their positions, making use of available sources. Consider the following questions in your response posts:

• Did they support their position convincingly using scholarly sources?
• Which of their points makes the most sense to you, even if you made a case for the opposing viewpoint?
• Post an article, video, or visual to reinforce a peer’s idea or challenge them to see their point from a different perspective.

ANSWER

Understanding Statistics Is NOT Necessary to Be an Effective Citizen

In the digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips, the claim that understanding statistics is necessary to be an effective citizen may seem valid at first glance. However, I would like to argue that, while statistical literacy is undoubtedly valuable and can enhance one’s ability to critically assess information, it is not an absolute requirement for effective citizenship in modern society. Instead, I contend that there are alternative routes to becoming an informed and active citizen that do not rely solely on statistical knowledge.

To support this position, I will draw upon recent scholarly sources and relate it to the programmatic course themes of social justice and career connections.

Statistics can undoubtedly play a crucial role in addressing social justice issues. By analyzing data, we can identify disparities in areas such as education, healthcare, and income. However, a recent article by DiCiccio and Kass (2021) in the Journal of the American Statistical Association emphasizes that while statistics can reveal inequalities, addressing social justice problems requires more than just understanding numbers. It demands a deep understanding of the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to these disparities. In other words, statistical literacy alone does not make one an effective advocate for social justice.

Additionally, in terms of career connections, it is essential to recognize that not all professions require statistical expertise. While fields like data science and economics heavily rely on statistics, many other careers may not. For instance, a social worker, artist, or primary school teacher can be highly effective citizens without delving deep into statistical analysis. They contribute to society in different ways, such as fostering human connections, creativity, and emotional support. Their effectiveness as citizens is not measured by their statistical prowess but by their dedication to their respective roles.

Moreover, the ever-increasing availability of user-friendly tools and software can assist individuals in interpreting and utilizing data without needing an advanced statistical background. This accessibility enables citizens to engage in evidence-based decision-making without becoming statistical experts.

In conclusion, understanding statistics can undoubtedly be beneficial, but it is not an absolute requirement for effective citizenship in modern society. Social justice and career connections demonstrate that there are various pathways to making a positive impact, and being an effective citizen relies on a combination of critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of broader social issues. While statistical literacy is a valuable skill, it is not the sole determinant of one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to society.