More than half of adults in U.S. say they lack basic statistical understanding

More than half of adults in the United States lack basic statistical knowledge, according to a study led by Mark Ramos, an assistant professor of health policy and administration at Penn State University. The research, published in PLOS One, revealed that 62% of respondents reported lacking or having limited understanding of statistical concepts, while only 11% regularly use statistics in their daily lives.

Despite the perceived gap in knowledge, many respondents indicated they would rely on statistics for decision-making if they understood the topic better. Mark Ramos emphasized that while statistics may seem complex, they are rooted in intuition and rationality, making them accessible upon a basic introduction. He added, "A thoughtful introduction to these concepts can help people understand their own thinking better."

The study, presented at the 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee, involved 1,000 participants. Quarter of the respondents claimed no understanding of statistics, 37% reported limited familiarity, and 25% learned some statistics in school. However, 90% of the participants expressed their intent to use statistics more if they had more understanding.

Understanding p-values, a fundamental aspect of statistical analysis, is crucial. A p-value indicates the likelihood of obtaining the study's results if the null hypothesis was true. The smaller the p-value, the stronger the statistical evidence, according to Ramos. He clarified that statistics do not offer certainty but work with the inherent uncertainty in nature and society to provide a rational approach to decision-making.

Ramos concluded by encouraging individuals to learn about statistics, which can help them become more informed consumers of scientific information. Penn State offers STAT 200: Elementary Statistics as a free online course, accessible to anyone interested in learning more about the subject.