New group aims to detect misuse of statistics by government and media

A new group that aims to detect and highlight the misuse of statistics was launched on 18 June to help promote the public’s confidence in statistical information.

Straight Statistics, which is supported by a grant from the Nuffield Foundation, will encourage the appropriate use of statistical data by a range of establishments, including the government and the media. It will report its findings on its website (www.straightstatistics.org) and promote its work through reports and conferences.

Together with the charity Sense about Science, which promotes good science among the public, the group is also producing …