Teaching the social construction of statistics

Abstract

Best (2001) asserts that “all statistics are socially constructed.” This paper investigates three questions. (1) Is Best’s thesis true? (2) If so, should this fact be taught in introductory statistics courses? (3) If so, what general principles involving the social construction of statistics can be taught that don’t rely on detailed knowledge of a particular subject? Isaacson (2011) notes that the social construction of statistics is readily presented by asking students “Where do statistics come from?” Results of a small survey show that statistical educators are seriously divided on whether this topic should be taught. Examples of questions and principles used in teaching Statistical Literacy at Augsburg College are presented. This paper argues that the Isaacson question, “Where do statistics come from?” is fundamental to statistical education and should be at the center of any course titled “statistical literacy”. If there isn’t time to teach this material in introductory statistics courses, then statistical educators should support offering a separate statistical literacy course in order to cover this important topic.