Problem
Lack of comparability of international statistics
Other Names:
Limitations of international statistics Nature:
For statistical data from different countries to be useful in international planning of economic and social development, this data must be collected, analyzed and presented in such a way as to permit inter-country comparisons. Despite considerable progress, it is still very difficult to prepare regional and world totals on the basis of information originating from official national sources. Each country may apply a slightly different method of data collection such that each individual statistical figure requires a special qualifying footnote in any international statistical compendium. Another source of incomparability is vast differences in meaning for terms, such as, unemployment, disease and crime. Incidence:
Of paramount importance are national economic, social and health statistics, which despite their intense study at international levels cannot be subsumed into comprehensive regional or global aggregates to detect levels and trends. Employment, distribution of wealth, crime, human rights and educational statistics are among those presenting difficulties. Broader Problems:
Inadequate dataStatistical errorsConflict of information Narrower Problems:
Inadequate economic statistics Aggravates:
Statistical understatement Strategies:
Collecting statisticsProviding sufficient comparative international statisticsLimiting international statistics References:
Ginneken, Wouter Van and Park, Jong-goo: Generating Internationally Comparable Income Distribution Estimates Subject(s):
Fundamental Sciences → StatisticsSocietal Problems → Scarcity
Societal Problems → Restrictions
Research, Standards → Quality unification
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST