Training Students to Spot Dodgy Data

Headlines, social media posts, and infographics throw numbers at us every day, being able to spot misleading data is a skill young people need now more than ever. So how can we train students as teachers or parents or to question statistics, rather than accepting them at face value?

Ask “Can I Trust This Source?”

One of the simplest habits we can encourage young people to develop is pausing before accepting a statistic. And asking questions such as who produced it? Why was it collected? Who benefits? Reliable data usually comes from transparent sources such as government departments, academic studies, or organisations like the Office for National Statistics.

Look Beyond the Pretty Graphs

Dodgy data can easily behind graphs. Truncated axes, uneven scales, and decorative 3D charts can all exaggerate data or suggest trends that aren’t there.

Encourage students to ask:

• Where does the axis start?

• Are the intervals equal?

• Are the differences significant or do they just look big?

Reinforce That Correlation Is Not Causation

Two variables changing together doesn’t mean one causes the other, but news stories often blur this line with misleading headings. It's also a question that trips students up in GCSE Statistics exams where they might not spot the subtle difference in wording between someone spotting a correlation and implying causation.

Put Percentages Into Perspective

Percentages are another favourite tool for misleading data. Training students to look for the underlying numbers and the size of the original values helps them avoid being swayed by dramatic increases that are actually very small in real terms.

Encourage Them to be Critical not Cynical

The goal isn’t to teach students that all data is untrustworthy, but to help them become thoughtful consumers of information. By asking what’s missing, questioning how data was collected, and considering who benefits from a particular message, students can stay in control of the information they consume.

Why It Matters

When students learn how to spot dodgy data, they gain confidence in navigating the wider world. They become less likely to be misled by shocking headlines and more capable of forming balanced opinions.

In an age where data is everywhere, teaching students how to challenge it is a valuable lesson worth teaching.

Linking to Statistics GCSE

These are skills that are deliberately built into GCSE Statistics, where students learn to question sources, interpret graphs carefully and understand good data collection methods. These skills and habits then carry into A levels and beyond. If you would like to find out more about GCSE Statistics and explore whether it could be a good fit for your child, please get in touch here and I would be happy to help.