GoKawiilSurvey finds most U.S. adults struggle with basic statistics and p-values
A nationwide survey of 1,000 Americans presented at the 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings found that a quarter of respondents reported no understanding of statistics, while 37% said their familiarity was limited. Only about a quarter said they had learned some statistics in school, yet nine in ten said they would rely on statistics more often if they understood the concepts better.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
With data and research findings shaping news coverage, social media debates and public policy, widespread confusion over statistical concepts like p-values leaves many people ill-equipped to judge the quality of evidence they encounter daily. Researchers argue that even a basic grounding in statistical reasoning could help citizens make better-informed decisions and resist misleading claims.
- Roughly 62% of surveyed adults reported little to no understanding of statistics.
- 90% said they would use statistical information more if they understood it better.
- Researchers say improving statistical literacy could help the public evaluate evidence in news and policy debates.
Source: psu.edu, 2026-08-26
Published there as: “More than half of adults in U.S. say they lack basic statistical understanding”
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