On Friday evening while watching One News, my attention was drawn to a graph reporting an increase in the New Zealanders receiving a job seeker benefit due to the COVID 19 pandemic. To an unsuspecting eye, there seemed to be a major increase as the once flat line shot upwards rapidly. However, at a closer glance I noticed the axis’s of the graph were not consistent, allocating more area to the increase in gradient and therefore over-emphasizing the increase in job losses around New Zealand. By displaying these somewhat manipulated statistics, it instils disproportionate fear and concern into New Zealanders as we believe the statistics, no questions asked.
Tracy McIntosh alluded to the issue of statistics not always presenting the whole truth and that we should be wary and investigate the nature of the data being presented. Little did I realise just how often only half the truth is revealed. To actually understand the quantitative data presented we must question what the data is really showing us and understand its context, rather than mindlessly accepting it.
Although the panel discussion’s focus was towards power and inequity in research, I thought it important to build on Tracy’s advice as we find statistics presenting half truths not only in the research field, but in everyday life. We are constantly consuming all types of media where data is displayed and our opinions are influenced by these so called “Facts” which are rarely challenged.
After falling at the whim of partial truths and heeding Tracy’s advice, I encourage us all to look closer and question the data first, before regarding it as the truth.
