We need to support our Federal Statistical System

A month ago I was asked Q: "Share about your role in the Federal statistical system or the broader statistical community in the comments below! What are you focused on right now in terms of data and evidence-building?"

A: I am a business librarian working with researchers and entrepreneurs who use Federal data for decision-making and statistical analysis. They know Federal data has a transparent methodology and a huge sample size. We trust the quality data because you provide the data to test assumptions and have expert communicators to put that data into context with statistical analysis and reports. We would like to see the statistical units of the Federal government receive more money to develop better systems, fund professionals, and modernize equipment. Thanks for asking.

We need to support our Data Scientist. Who is a data scientist? Let’s start with researchers who design methods or experiments to collect the data and where the data and codebooks are created.?The statisticians manipulate datasets using models and algorithms to see trends in longitudinal data and to interpret data at a moment of time in cross-sectional studies. Once patterns are seen using predictive analytics, analysts seek the emerging relationships between the numbers, transforming data into information by giving it context. That information is then put into the hands of writers and data visualization designers, who apply their knowledge to make data understandable in reports, press releases, and other resources. To distribute their insights, the federal agency will act as publisher, putting the synthesized resources on its website for all—primarily for decision-makers but also for citizens—to read. Government agencies will publish the data and reports by linking graphics, statistical downloads, and application programming interfaces (APIs) to the researcher’s raw data.

Federal Data is protected by LAW. (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/part-1321) Responsibilities of Recognized Statistical Agencies and Units (RSAU)

1. Produce and disseminate relevant and timely statistical information;
2. Conduct credible and accurate statistical activities;
3. Conduct objective statistical activities; and
4. Protect the trust of information providers by ensuring the confidentiality and exclusive statistical use of their responses.

There are watchdogs and advisors to make sure the 100+ federal units that collect data are using their money wisely: https://www.statspolicy.gov, https://www.performance.gov/pic, https://www.gao.gov/topics, https://www.evaluation.gov, https://www.cdo.gov, and https://www.fcsm.gov. These are all professionals who know what they are doing. We need to let them do their jobs. Let's NOT tear down one of the best assets the federal government offers to citizens and businesses.