AI did not end the data literacy crisis. It changed it. As machines move from providing information to interpreting it and recommending what to do, the scarce skill is becoming judgment: knowing what to trust, what to question, and what decisions are still ours to make.
Evidence does not make decisions. People interpret it, weigh it, challenge it, and make judgments. A courtroom reveals what leaders can learn about evidence, expertise, confidence, and data-informed decision-making.
Feeling sure doesn't mean you're right. Learn five simple ways to question what feels true, spot what might be influencing you, and make better decisions about what to believe.
What does it mean to be 'Data Literate?'
Data literacy can be defined in various ways, but it's not merely about data science or predictive analytics. It involves understanding how to transition from raw data to valuable insights within your specific role.
If you're involved in preparing the data, you need a certain set of skills and mindset for its transformation. If you are consuming the data, perhaps interpreting a report someone else has created, comprehension at a high level is required. For instance, if given a statistical report with 95% probability, there's always risk associated as it isn't 100%.
It's essential to remember that although technical skills are important in understanding data, decision-making also requires human and soft skills such as challenging biases and considering diverse perspectives.
I have created two assessments that are referenced in the book Data Literacy in Practice which I co-authored with Angelika Klidas to test knowledge of data literacy. You can take the assessments online here.
AI did not end the data literacy crisis. It changed it. As machines move from providing information to interpreting it and recommending what to do, the scarce skill is becoming judgment: knowing what to trust, what to question, and what decisions are still ours to make.
Evidence does not make decisions. People interpret it, weigh it, challenge it, and make judgments. A courtroom reveals what leaders can learn about evidence, expertise, confidence, and data-informed decision-making.
Feeling sure doesn't mean you're right. Learn five simple ways to question what feels true, spot what might be influencing you, and make better decisions about what to believe.
We teach data literacy as a ladder: data at the bottom, wisdom at the top, climb step by step. But the rungs are not where the work happens. The judgment lives in the gaps between them, and that is exactly where AI now carries us straight past.
