|
Abstract:
|
Journalists are today's "research interpreters," especially so for lay audiences in health and science topics, and thus can reach a broad cross-section of the public in a way that statisticians usually cannot. And since statistical and data analytic ideas are playing an increasingly important role in putting research into proper context, quantitative literacy in the media is more important than ever. Although journalists are not always experts in statistics, they are experts in capturing the attention of their audience. So when statisticians and data scientists think about reaching diverse groups and increasing quantitative literacy, they might do well to study how journalists connect with their audience. Likewise, statisticians can teach journalists a great deal about fundamental quantitative concepts like uncertainty and magnitude, which can then help raise the statistical literacy of the public. This talk will explore lessons to be learned from journalism, how statisticians can help journalists serve their audiences better, and what opportunities exist for collaboration.
|
