Six in ten US adults report limited grasp of basic statistics, study finds

A new study led by Penn State University has identified a widespread deficit in statistical literacy among adults in the United States. The research, published in the journal PLOS One, indicates that 62 per cent of respondents report having no or limited knowledge of basic statistical concepts. This finding suggests that a majority of the population struggles with the fundamental data points that increasingly inform public health, policy, and daily life.

The study was led by Mark Ramos, an assistant research professor of health policy and administration at Penn State, and co-authored by Samuel Anyaso-Samuel, a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute. The researchers analysed survey data collected from a representative sample of 1,000 US adults during the 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee. The survey specifically examined comprehension of p-values, a statistical tool used to understand the results of studies, and the frequency with which individuals base decisions on reported statistics.

The data reveals a stark contrast between current usage and potential reliance on data. While 25 per cent of respondents reported having no understanding of statistics and 37 per cent reported limited familiarity, only 11 per cent regularly use statistics in their daily lives. Despite this perceived knowledge gap, nine out of ten participants stated that they would use statistics more for decision-making if they possessed a better understanding of the subject.

Ramos noted that while statistics are not inherently difficult, they are prone to misunderstanding. He argued that the concepts are grounded in intuition and rationality, meaning that a basic introduction can help individuals understand their own thinking better. The study highlights that statistical literacy is critical when research is invoked in news reports, social media, or policy debates that directly affect people’s lives.

The researchers emphasised that understanding and evaluating the quality of evidence should be within reach of any interested citizen. Ramos explained that statistics work with the uncertainty present in nature and society to provide a reasonable approach for making decisions. He suggested that the better people understand this concept, the more they can learn when to trust or mistrust the statistical evidence they encounter.

For those seeking to improve their skills, Ramos pointed to various free educational resources. He specifically noted that Penn State provides the course materials for STAT 200: Elementary Statistics online as a free resource, accessible even to those not enrolled in the class. The study underscores the need for improved statistical literacy to ensure the public can navigate an increasingly data-driven world.