"Official Statistics" is a must-read for anyone in political science and governance, offering a deep dive into how official statistical methods influence policy-making, governance, and public perception. Through exploring data collection and dissemination, the book highlights the pivotal role of statistics in shaping political dynamics and guiding critical decisions.
Chapters Overview:
1. Official Statistics: Introduction to key concepts and methodologies in official statistics and their importance in political science.
2. Census: Examines the role of national censuses in shaping policy decisions and public services.
3. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: Discusses the UN's efforts in harmonizing statistical practices across Europe to improve data quality and comparability.
4. Statistics Canada: Explores how Canadian statistics support evidence-based policy.
5. Hellenic Statistical Authority: Highlights Greece’s contributions to national and European data systems.
6. Economic Data: Discusses how economic data informs fiscal and monetary policies.
7. Economic Statistics: Covers key economic indicators like GDP and inflation rates and their role in policy-making.
8. Statistics Belgium: Insight into Belgium’s statistical practices in a federal system.
9. Statistics New Zealand: Explores how New Zealand uses statistics to drive policy in a diverse context.
10. American Community Survey: Discusses its role in providing detailed demographic data for U.S. policy.
11. National Institute of Statistics and Census of Argentina: Highlights challenges in Argentina’s data collection and analysis.
12. Philippine Statistics Authority: Discusses innovations and challenges in the Philippines’ statistical system.
13. Statistics Denmark: Examines Denmark’s use of data in public policy.
14. Pollutant Release and Transfer Register: Focuses on environmental statistics and their role in policy.
15. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (India): Details how statistics support development in India.
16. Census and Statistics Department (Hong Kong): Explores Hong Kong’s unique statistical practices.
17. Statistics Botswana: Discusses Botswana’s use of data in national development.
18. Data Dissemination: Examines the importance of accessible data for transparency.
19. Statistical Disclosure Control: Covers techniques for balancing data confidentiality and utility.
20. Indian Statistical Service: Discusses the role of the Indian Statistical Service in government functions.
21. Five Safes: Introduces a framework for managing and sharing data securely.
This book offers essential insights and practical examples for understanding the impact of statistics on political science, making it a vital resource for professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the field.