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Institute of Advanced Study
External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosin's Hall

Statistical Literacy and Science Communication: Interdisciplinary Workshop

Contact Dr David Chivers

22 September 2022 - 22 September 2022

1:00PM - 5:00PM

Seminar Room, Cosin's Hall, Institute of Advanced Study

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The purpose of this series of two workshops is to explore and build research ideas at the intersections of scientific and statistical evidence, media reporting, and their influence on public policies and behaviour. We bring together academics from Durham University, across multiple disciplines to discuss these issues, create networks and generate proposals for future research.

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Statistical Literacy and Science Communication: Interdisciplinary Workshop

Workshop 1: Statistical Literacy

Literacy is regarded as the starting point of education, a means through which we can gather further knowledge. It is, however, often associated with reading and writing, rather than numeracy. Yet, most of what we value about literacy (e.g., identification, interpretation and understanding), requires an ability to interpret numbers and not just the written word.

Some key questions for discussion:

  • Why do certain groups in society value statistical literacy, while others find it inaccessible?
  • Do journalists in the UK receive sufficient statistical training to communicate scientific evidence
  • What are the causes of statistical illiteracy? Perhaps this is due to “maths anxiety” or an inability to see value in being numerical literate?

We will provide a light lunch during the workshops, and you are invited in the evening to dinner at a local restaurant. You are welcome to attend one or both workshops.

For questions, contact the workshop organisers David Chivers and Susanne Braun. Please email david.chivers@durham.ac.uk to confirm your attendance.

Pricing

Free