Data is a powerful storytelling source. We often uncover new truths, undiscovered trends, even potential warnings when using data to tell a story. But as powerful as data can be, it can also be misleading and filled with bias.
Here’s what experience teaches about the pitfalls of biased data analysis, and how we can protect ourselves as researchers and analysts:
Focus on the context around the data set
Data sets can tell a wide variety of stories, but accurate stories are achieved only when context is considered. Analyzed against a particular backdrop, data can tell a specific tale. But if that backdrop inaccurately reflects the captured data, the resulting story will be misleading, if not false.
