Data · methods
A small dataset can still carry a large claim
Thin, uneven and dispersed statistics make careful description more important, not less.
A percentage without a denominator, a trend without a time window and a map without a definition can all mislead. Say what the data measures and misses.
Definition
Start with population and unit
“Internet access”, “youth”, “urban” and “household” may differ across datasets. Read metadata before comparing similar-looking numbers.
Reference: Pacific Data Hub
Uncertainty
Absence of data is not absence of a problem
Small samples and irregular surveys can leave groups invisible. State uncertainty rather than turning a measurement gap into reassurance.
Reference: The Pacific Community (SPC)
Use
A chart should tell the reader what to ask next
Show only the comparison the source supports, add the date and link the original table or method note.
Questions visitors ask
Can I rank every Pacific country?
Only when definitions, years, coverage and methods are comparable. Otherwise, show differences instead of a league table.
Why link metadata?
Definitions and collection methods determine what a number can support.
Revised September 2026. This brief describes its evidence and limits; local authorities and first-party sources outrank a summary.