Statistics Skills

Full course description

Statistics is the science and technique of processing, interpreting and presenting data. Descriptive statistics helps visualize data and allows data to be presented in a meaningful and understandable way. This allows for a simplified interpretation or summary of the data set in question, for example by describing the relationship between two variables. Going beyond describing data, statistical inference tests specific hypotheses with respect to the data. As these statistical methods are used to convert large amounts of data into useful information, they are a valuable instrument in the toolbox of the circular engineer.

Marketing communication in circular economy is full of statistical claims, and it is well-known that statistical tools are not always used correctly. In fact, greenwashing and various kinds of biases and undisclosed assumptions have caused a lot of damage for the reputation of certain companies and individual workers. Understanding of the statistical claims of competitors, partners, and stakeholders, and the ability produce statistically plausible evidence on the impact and benefits of your own work are vital for high quality of work in circular engineering.