Maintaining the Credibility of Official Statistics

• Activity Number: 108
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Monday, August 10, 2015 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Committee on Excellence in Statistical Reporting
• Author(s): Michael D. Levi*
• Companies: Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Keywords: credibility ; trust ; dissemination ; communication

Abstract

Those of us who work in statistical agencies take great pride in the integrity of the data we publish. Maintaining public credibility is also vital to accomplishing our mission. If data users or potential data users do not believe that official data are accurate and free from political or other undue influence, they will not use our products to make informed decisions. Furthermore, if businesses and households do not trust the agencies, they will be less likely to respond to our surveys. Thus a reputation for publishing credible data is absolutely essential to all statistical agencies. In his presentation, Mr. Levi will discuss some of the factors that influence trust in the federal statistical system and focus on measures statistical agencies - the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in particular - are taking to maintain their credibility among data users and respondents.