Question

Why is it important to include data when creating public health policies?

Data ensures research is fair and free from bias.
Data is always more accurate than other information.
Data helps researchers decide if a policy will be effective.
Data helps citizens understand why a policy is important.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- Data helps researchers decide if a policy will be effective.
- Data helps citizens understand why a policy is important.

Brief explanation:
- Data provides evidence on health outcomes, risks, and intervention effects, so researchers can evaluate and predict policy impact and cost-effectiveness.
- Data also supports clear communication to the public about the need for a policy and its expected benefits.

Why the other statements are incorrect:
- Data alone does not ensure research is fair or free from bias—study design, sampling, and analysis matter.
- Data is not always more accurate than other information; it can be incomplete, biased, or misinterpreted.