Official Statistics

Indicative content

Students will gain a comprehensive overview of the field of official statistics, understand its importance in today's information and digital era, and grasp how statistics, as both a science and an information tool, influences decision-making across various societal domains. They will become familiar with the history of statistics and its evolution in relation to social, technical, and political changes. They will also comprehend the role of statistical institutions in data collection and provision. Emphasis will be placed on data quality, building public trust, and exploring how official statistics impact society, policy-making, and other sectors. Effective communication through modern tools and working with Big Data will also receive significant attention. This course will provide students with a strong foundation in understanding official statistics and its crucial role in shaping our world.
Outline of Lectures:
● Official Statistics: Public Information Infrastructure
o Official Statistics / Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic and its position in the global and European context
o How the statistical office prepares statistical Information
o National Statistical System
o Social Statistics and Demography
o Macroeconomic Statistics
o Business Statistics
o Electoral Statistics
● Science and Society: Reflective Approach to Official Statistics
o Economic and Social Indicators
● Official Statistics 4.0: Era of Digitalization and Globalization
o Informatics and Statistics: The role of informatics in statistics
o Information Systems and Information and Communication Technologies
o Data Storytelling
o Statistical Products
o Ethics in Data Sciences
In the practical part of the course, students acquire a comprehensive set of skills for effective communication of complex statistical data. They focus on data visualization, using storytelling within official statistics, and developing critical thinking and communication skills for creating data-driven narratives.
Data analysis, which plays a key role in creating meaningful and persuasive stories. Students will learn to implement acquired knowledge through practical examples. They will apply statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and deviations in data. They will also learn to interpret the results of their analysis and connect them to the context of official statistics, revealing significant information.
The combination of data analysis and data storytelling will not only allow them to present data engagingly but also uncover deeper insights that will help others better understand the significance and implications of official statistics. Upon completing the course, students will be capable of analysing data, uncovering fundamental patterns, and deriving valuable insights, preparing them for successful careers in data analysis and information communication.
Outline of Practical Seminars:
● Data Analysis
o Understanding basic concepts
o Data handling skills
o Application of statistical methods
o Data visualization
o Modeling and prediction
o Interpreting results
o Practical software usage
o Ethical aspects
o Communicating results
● Data Storytelling
o Understand the context
o Choose an appropriate visual display
o Eliminate Clutter
o Focus attention where you want it
o How to Tell a story based on data