Is statistical analysis needed for good policy making and effective public administration? My answer is a definite YES!

What would you do, let’s say, if you want to buy a pair of good headphones? In this digital era, I imagine you will go to Google and check the reviews to see if the product is popular and worth the buy. How many reviews are there, how many people are giving 5 stars, what kind of bad reviews there are, and is there any commonality between the bad reviews? People naturally doing the analysis in daily life seek resources and proof to convince themselves this is the right decision to make.

When it comes to bigger responsibilities such as policy making, you have to collect as much information and data as possible so that you can analyze accurately what the needs of public and how the policy effects their life.

Also people want to see clear proof or evidence that they can see and compare if the policy was made with the reflection of their voices, situations, and if it is a right policy for them.

Statistical analysis provides the numbers or the transition that anybody can see clearly. With that, public can understand why the policy or the program was made, and how it will improve their life.

Although, even statistics can be manipulated by the researchers or the decision makers with their bias whether it is consciously or not.

As a public servant, we are responsible to conduct statistical analysis ethically and transparently.