Sociology

Enrichment

What Data Can’t Do

Sarah Best

12th April 2021

This article from The New Yorker examines the power of data, what it can and can't do and also the dangers of relying on it to help social policy.

There are a range of historical and contemporary examples included and the author highlights how data (and algorithms) can have far reaching consequences in terms of bias if used inappropriately.

The article could be used for the Research Methods unit (quantitative data, demographics).

Sarah Best

Sarah is a passionate full-time Head of Sociology and Psychology and has worked in a variety in schools in the UK, and she is currently working in a British international school. She is keen to develop and boost the profile of both subjects.

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Sociology

What Data Can’t Do

Sarah Best

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