Statistical Literacy of Citizens: The Interpretation of Statistical Graphs

This article analyzes how a group of Venezuelan citizens interprets two bar graphs. The reading, interpretation and evaluation of statistical graphs is part of the competences that an ordinary citizen must possess. It was therefore decided to ask ordinary citizens to interpret two statistical graphs. The questions are part of a broader questionnaire that was published on the survey administration platform and sent to potential participants, using non-probability sampling. The questions were answered by 407 citizens with different levels of academic training. The results show that most participants gave plausible arguments to support a specific position, but have difficulties in critically evaluating a graph. These results are a first approximation on how Venezuelan citizens interpret statistical graphics and can be a reference for statistical literacy processes.