One of the difficulties facing citizens interested in evaluating the performance of their public officials at all levels of government is the multiplicity of often-conflicting claims made by advocates on all sides of most issues. Such claims are frequently based on data-driven studies and sound so persuasive.
There is a simple solution here, and all it requires is making a simple request: Let us see your datasets, please. “Datasets” include the raw data used in a study, as well as the tools, techniques and assumptions employed in the analysis. Advocates using credible, data-driven studies will eagerly provide their datasets because they know the credibility of their claims rests upon the methodological transparency of their study. Such advocates know they enhance their credibility by inviting others to examine their work. On the other hand, advocates with something to hide won’t for fear the games they play with the data will be exposed.
