Communicating the Value of Statistics (303283)

Statisticians know statistical methods are powerful and important. But how do you explain the value of statistics to friends and relatives who have never taken a statistics course, or worse, took one in which they did not think they learned anything useful? And what do you say to someone who thinks software can replace statisticians? How do we convey the importance of understanding statistical results to health care workers, public policy decision-makers, educators, and the myriad other professionals who could benefit from that understanding? We need to communicate the role and value of statistical thinking for everyone, whether they are professional consumers of statistical results or simply could benefit from tools for making better decisions in daily life. The Conference on Statistical Practice offers an abundance of opportunities for enhancing your knowledge of the value of statistics and for learning skills for communicating that value.