However, scientists also need to develop statistical literacy so that they can both produce rigorous and reproducible research and consume it.
[4] Each day people are inundated with statistical information from advertisements ("4 out of 5 dentists recommend"), news reports ("opinion poll show the incumbent leading by four points"), and even general conversation ("half the time I don't know what you're talking about").
Some understanding of the statistical technique of sampling is necessary in order to be able to correctly interpret polling results.
Numerous resources and activities, as well as a body of international experts help maintain a very successful campaign across the continents.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has taken the notion of statistical literacy as the subject for its fourth guide to making data meaningful.
People involved in these fields generally have studied the meaning of statistical quantities, such as averages and standard deviation.
[8][9][10][11][12] Studies have shown that human beings’ estimations of probabilities are heavily influenced by context and wording.
For example, people typically underestimate the probability of being involved in a car accident because their everyday interaction with vehicles gives the impression that they are safer than they actually are.
However, most individuals fail to approximate, for example, the probability of being dealt a full-house in a game of poker.