Statistilistes

Statistilistes is a neologism used to describe a proposed professional designation or intellectual tendency that centers on the systematic use of statistics to inform decision-making, communication, and policy. The term combines the root statisti- with the suffix -istes, modeling similar formations in other languages that denote adherents or practitioners.

Definition and scope:

Statistilistes refer to individuals or groups who emphasize data-driven reasoning, transparent reporting of statistical methods, and the accessible presentation of statistical results to non-specialists. The concept can apply to researchers, journalists, policymakers, and data scientists who advocate reproducible workflows, open data, and rigorous methodological standards.

Origins and usage:

The term is scarcely attested in formal literature and is more commonly found as a descriptor in online discussions or speculative writing about data culture. Because it is not tied to a single organization or officially recognized discipline, meanings can vary by context.

Practices:

Core practices associated with statistilistes include designing studies with clear hypotheses, preregistering analyses when feasible, using transparent data and code, validating results with out-of-sample tests, and communicating uncertainty appropriately.

Criticism and challenges:

Critics argue that an exclusive focus on statistics can overlook qualitative factors, data privacy concerns, and the risk of misinterpretation by media or policymakers. Advocates counter that statistical literacy is essential for responsible governance and journalism.

See also:

Statistics, data literacy, reproducible research, open data, data journalism.