Interactive visualisations and statistical literacy.

Abstract

Statistical literacy involves engagement with the data one encounters. New forms of data and new ways to engage with data – notably via interactive data visualisations – are emerging. Some of the skills required to work effectively with these new visualisation tools are described. We argue that interactive data visualisations will have as profound an effect on statistical literacy as the introduction of statistics packages had on statistics in social science in the 1960s. Current conceptualisations of statistical literacy are too passive, lacking the exploration part in data analysis. Statistical literacy should be conceived of as empowerment to engage effectively with evidence, and educators should seek to move students along a pathway from using interactive data visualisations to building them and interpreting what they see.