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Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Reason 1: Official Statistics are Socially Constructed
Answer
Official statistics are not purely objective measurements but are socially constructed. This means that the data is influenced by the definitions and criteria set by the authorities collecting the data. For example, the way crime is recorded can vary by jurisdiction, meaning that higher or lower crime rates may reflect the differences in recording practices rather than actual differences in criminal activity. This construction underscores that they should not be treated straightforwardly as social facts.
Step 2
Reason 2: Ideological Bias in Official Statistics
Answer
Official statistics can be subject to ideological bias. The interpretation and presentation of statistical data can reflect the interests of those in power. For instance, statistics may be manipulated or selectively presented to support a specific political agenda or narrative. This bias means that such statistics do not always provide a true representation of reality, reinforcing the idea that they should not be viewed as uncontested social facts.