Statistical data and evidence-based claims are increasingly central to our everyday lives. Critically examining ‘Big Data’, this book charts the recent explosion in sources of data, including those precipitated by global developments and technological change.

It sets out changes and controversies related to data harvesting and construction, dissemination and data analytics by a range of private, governmental and social organisations in multiple settings. Analysing the power of data to shape political debate, the presentation of ideas to us by the media, and issues surrounding data ownership and access, the authors suggest how data can be used to uncover injustices and to advance social progress.

Reviews:

“This engaging work provides a fascinating snapshot of how data and statistics are being used to understand and address modern social problems.” Emily Clough, Newcastle University

”You can be just as much, if not even more, effectively fooled with numbers as with words. The editors and authors of this volume are to be congratulated for revealing how data can mislead and how official statistics remain under threat.”Danny Dorling, Oxford University

Authors:

• Jeff Evans is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Middlesex University, UK. He researches the public understanding of statistics, and influences on adults’ mathematical learning.
• Sally Ruane is Reader in Social Policy and the Director of the Health Policy Research Unit in the School of Applied Social Sciences at De Montfort University, UK.
• Humphrey Southall is Professor of Historical Geography at the University of Portsmouth, UK, and directs the Great Britain Historical GIS. He researches the origins of Britain’s north-south divide and promotes public engagement with historical statistics.