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UCLA Library Data Literacy Workshop Series

Fall 2021: Data and Misinformation

The Data Literacy Workshop series theme for the fall quarter is Data and Misinformation. Viral content, real-time hot takes, and endless scrolling have allowed misleading and false information to flourish on the web. As internet users it is important that we understand our role in, as well as potential solutions, to this growing problem. Over the course of three workshops we will discuss the technology, psychology, and business practices that create and amplify misinformation.

Data & Misinformation: Blame it on the Algorithms (Thursday, October 28 10 am - 11 am)

In this workshop, we will explore the role of social media business models and algorithmic data-gathering in the creation and perpetuation of misinformation. Featuring our guest speaker Natascha Chtena, Ph.D, a UCLA Information Studies alum and scholar in the field of information and educational media studies.

Data & Misinformation: Academic Click-bait (Thursday, November 18 10 am - 11 am)

What roles do academics, scientific publishers, and journalists play in perpetuating misinformation? In part two of the UCLA Library fall 2021 Data Literacy workshop series, we will examine ways academic research can get lost in translation when communicated to a non-specialist audience. What can we do, as both creators of research and consumers of popular media, to correct misconceptions and improve scholarly communication?

Data & Misinformation: Lying with Statistics (Thursday, December 9 10 am - 11 am)

In this final session of the UCLA Library fall 2021 Data Literacy workshop series, we will unpack the assumptions we make when collecting data for research projects. We will discuss the consequences when assumptions are wrong in research and how this can lead to flashy headlines and misleading conclusions about research. Finally we will cover some ways to avoid these pitfalls that might lead to lying with statistics.