Reversed Figures? Why and How a Meaning Is Given to Statistical Data

Statistics must be interpreted according to whether they are of administrative origin or from specific surveys. The interpretation of survey results is possible because the answers correspond to a general outline of thought or convention, & can be based partly on the figures themselves. Surveys on working conditions provide an example of this approach. The surprise caused by a 1991 survey that showed a sharp degradation since the previous survey in 1984 is at the root of this question on the reasons for the evolution. Various causes related to the protocol of surveying are examined; they most likely had only a limited impact. It is therefore necessary to look into the nature of the changes that have occurred in the state of the world observed through the survey: more objective working conditions, different social processes, & intensification of work. 3 Tables, 5 Figures, 71 References. Adapted from the source document.