Numbers count: the importance of numeracy for journalists

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Few news subjects or events can be comprehensively covered in the media without numbersbeing used. Indeed, most reports are essentially 'number stories', or could be improvedthrough the judicious use of numbers. Despite this there are frequent complaints about poorlevels of numeracy among journalists.Although numbers are fundamental to virtually everything they write, the most superficialreview of South African newspapers indicates that most encounters between journalists andnumbers of any sort are uncomfortable, to say the least. Reporters shy away from usingnumbers, and frequently resort to vague comments such as many, more, worse orbetter. When reports do include numbers, they often don't make sense, largely becausejournalists are unable to do simple calculations and have little understanding of concepts suchas the size of the world's population, a hectare, or a square kilometer. They frequently usenumbers to lend weight to their facts without having the numerical skills to question whetherthe figures are correct.Numeracy is not the ability to solve complicated mathematical problems or remember and usea mass of complicated axioms and formulas; it's a practical life skill. For journalists it is theability to understand the numbers they encounter in everyday life - percentages, exchangerates, very large and small amounts - and the ability to ask intelligent questions about thesenumbers before presenting them meaningfully in their reports.This thesis is not a compendium of all the mathematical formulas a journalist could ever need.It is a catalogue of the errors that are frequently made, particularly in newspapers, andsuggestions to improve number usage. It will hopefully also serve to make journalists awareof the potential of numbers to improve reporting and increase accuracy.This thesis emphasises the importance of basic numeracy for all journalists, primarily bydiscussing the basic numerical skills without which they cannot do their job properly, but alsoby noting the concerns of experienced journalists, mathematicians, statisticians and educatorsabout innumeracy in the media. Although the contents of this thesis also apply to magazine, radio and television journalists, it is primarily aimed at their counterparts at South Africa'sdaily and weekly newspapers.I hope the information contained herein is of use to journalists and journalism students; that itwill open their eyes to the possibility of improving number usage and thereby reporting, serveas encouragement to brush up their numerical skills, and help to shed light on the numberswhich surround them and which they use so readily.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University