The Advantages and Limitations of Data Journalism

Data Journalism Workshop

4-5 December 2017

William Allen (University of Oxford) Robert McNeil (University of Oxford)

Introduction: what we will learn

• Visualising data can help people to understand the truth, but is can also be used to manipulate and mislead.

• As with any journalism, there is a fundamental, but difficult ethical dimension – how do you best represent the truth?

• Being an effective data journalist requires you to be:

1. a “critical consumer” – think about what you are being shown

2. A “conscientious producer” of materials - ensure the materials you produce represent the truth

“How to Lie with Statistics” (1954) The Gee-Whiz! Graph

Visualisation as a route to understanding

Visualisation as a route to understanding

Visualisation as a route to understanding

Visualisation as a route to understanding

Visualisation as a route to manipulation?

The Sun, July 2013 – How your energy price will increase

Visualisation as a route to manipulation?

The Guardian October 2013

You decide: Misguided, misleading or acceptable? The Sun’s rationale

• In favour: Image was designed to highlight that the greatest share of the increase was from green energy policies, not to be a perfect representation of the data.

• Against: The Sun has an audience that is sceptical about green policies and climate change, and this image may pander to their prejudices.

The Ethics of Data Journalism

Data—and the analyses/visualisations based on them—are not entirely value-neutral

How we use data reflects an ethical position: from subtle to strong

Data science (mining, scraping, quantitative analysis) is just as social as journalism

The Ethics of Data Journalism

Questions to consider (and lead into the strategic planning session):

• What do you want to do with data journalism?

• What motivates you to use data in your work?

• How can data help you achieve your mission?

Questions?