Module overview
The module provides an overview of issues and ideas concerning the scope and organisation of Official Statistics and its processes and products, including Statistical Acts and Codes of Practice.
The module provides a general foundation for the more detailed study of these elements and identifies links with other relevant disciplines.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental issues underlying the organisation of Official Statistics and be able to apply this knowledge in discussing the relative merits of alternative approaches.
- Apply procedures for measuring and understanding data quality in official statistics and use these processes for monitoring and improvement.
- Explain the role that collaboration, peer review, openness and the development and application of international standards and classifications play in enhancing the value of official statistics.
Syllabus
An overview of official statistics, their importance for informing policy and identifying important trends in the economy and society.
The defining documents of official statistics including: the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, statistical frameworks and national statistical laws.
Standards for good statistical practice, including formal codes of practice and the roles that they play.
The importance of statistical quality and how quality reviews improve official statistics.
Conceptual frameworks, methodological standards and classification systems.
The organisation and management of statistical organisations – centralised and de-centralised systems. The role of professional bodies and supranational organisations.
The history of official statistics.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be through lectures and independent study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 30 |
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
.
.
.
Journal Articles
Holt, D. (2008). Official Statistics, public policy and public trust. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A, 171(2), pp. 323-346.
Laux, Richard, Alldritt, Richard, Dunnell Karen (2007). Evolution of the United Kingdom Statistical System. Statistical Journal of the IAOS 24, pp. pp47 - 59.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External