Social Math: A Method to Make Complex Data Meaningful

Abstract

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Social math presents numerical data as a compelling story about a social issue to inspire an active audience response. The approach simplifies complex statistics by reframing them within more familiar contexts. Visual images reinforce the comparison and message, surpassing simple data presentation to offer a meaningful and informative story. Organizations seeking to stimulate response to social problems by citing powerful statistics often turn to social math. The impact of social math is strengthened by reference to numbers that are familiar, understandable and small and by alluding to dramatic events. Examples illustrate social math being used effectively and ways to improve the presentations. Key guidelines for social math include clearly defining the issue and specific focus, using reliable data, customizing the comparison to the audience, having a clear visualization and a strong call to action.