Data

Can you trust what the data is really telling you? Data is everywhere, but making sense of it requires more than just numbers. Professor Chad Syverson walks through how economists use data to understand the world, highlighting the importance of data literacy and the ability to distinguish between correlation and causation. The video introduces three levels of data proficiency—from basic literacy to advanced analysis—and explains how economists use tools like randomized experiments and natural data patterns to uncover cause-and-effect relationships. Whether you’re reading a graph or evaluating a policy, knowing how to interpret data critically is essential for drawing meaningful conclusions.