Statistics for Public Policy

”[Statistics for Public Policy] discusses principles for using statistics to further the understanding of people making decisions, highlighting the importance of integrating statistical knowledge with knowledge of the particulars of a context and issue and of recognizing that statistical standards taught and used in academic settings may not apply in policy settings.” * Journal of Economic Literature *“Weber has written a book that many policy analysts should read. Certainly it will help those with little statistics (and less mathematics), but it should also provoke those already confident in their data skills to think a bit harder about what they are doing.” * Economic Record *“Our statistical texts—and often our teaching—ignore the craft that makes quantitative evidence useful for policy makers. In Statistics for Public Policy, Weber draws on his own experience to address the nitty-gritty issues that advisors confront in honestly and effectively interpreting and presenting evidence.” – David L. Weimer | University of Wisconsin-Madison“The best public policy advisers know how to blend statistical knowledge with an understanding of the context of issues. Weber uses his experience as a White House economist to explain how analysts can make sense of messy real-world data and maintain their credibility even if their numbers turn out to be wrong. Accessible and engaging, Statistics for Public Policy presents practical tips to improve the use of statistics and data in the policy world.” – Eric M. Patashnik | coauthor of “A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving”“An easily digestible and humorous must-read, Statistics for Public Policy takes a fairly dry subject—but one of utmost importance—and infuses it with real world examples that bring statistics alive for the reader. As someone on the receiving end of many a policy memo, I can say with certainty that every would-be wonk could benefit from this book.” – DJ Nordquist | former Chief of Staff, White House Council of Economic Advisers

Jeremy G. Weber is professor in the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. He previously served as a chief economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisers.