Open Databases and Misinterpretation: Balancing Access and Accuracy in the Age of Information/Digital World

Open access databases and data dashboards are exciting advancements that increase data transparency and give the public access to national data. While this innovation can be a valuable tool, evidence indicates that a dearth of data literacy may lead to mis- or over-interpretations, particularly when drawing conclusions across multiple data points. As evaluators, we recognize that seemingly straightforward data points, like frequencies or averages, carry underlying assumptions that influence how they are interpreted. This raises the question of how can these complexities be communicated to the everyday public interested in understanding open-access data and dashboards? Session leaders will foster discussion with a brief interactive presentation where audience members are invited to engage with the topic via polls. Responses will guide meaningful discussions surrounding how to delineate the benefits of data access from the need for greater understanding data literacy to aid in interpretation.
Click to fill survey.