The Role of Data in Research and Policy
Special Areas of Interdisciplinary Study
Applications of Social Science Knowledge to Policy
Barbara A. Anderson,
Barbara A. Anderson
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBarbara A. Anderson,
Barbara A. Anderson
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Data are essential for scientific research and policy planning. However, there needs to be attention to data quality and to the estimates and models based on those data. In addition, data need to be freely available for researchers to test new ideas and validate the work of others through replication, while respondents who provide data need to be protected. Three issues concerning data are addressed: (i) availability and accuracy of data for new research and reanalysis while protecting human subjects, (ii) problems with the estimation of indicators based on flawed or nongeneralizable data, and (iii) the use of data to develop models for projecting the future, the assumptions on which those models are based, and the assessment of the accuracy of past projections. In each of these areas, increased attention is necessary on how data are used, interpreted, and made available to the scholarly and policy community.
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