---
id: "worksheets:exercise/consider-risks"
type: "Solving Public Problems worksheet"
title: "Consider the Risks"
url: "https://worksheets.solvingpublicproblems.org/exercise/consider-risks"
date: "2024-07-11"
summary: "Data is a powerful tool for problem solving but data can also be incomplete, out-of-date, and sensitive data. Complete these questions to help you weigh..."
source: "Solving Public Problems worksheets (worksheets.solvingpublicproblems.org), The GovLab and the Burnes Center for Social Change"
licence: "none stated"
---

# Consider the Risks

Exercise group: Defining Problems with Data · Recommended exercise

## About this worksheet

Data is a powerful tool for problem solving but data can also be incomplete, out-of-date, and sensitive data. Complete these questions to help you weigh risks against benefits.

## Tips

- Be sure to consult those who are most familiar with the data and its contents.
- Ask a wide variety of people to help anticipate risks.
- Be sure to ask those who are likely to be affected what level of risk is acceptable to them.

## Questions

1. Is what is represented in my data enough to understand the problem at hand? (If not, you need more data!)
2. What biases might underlie what is present in the data I am seeing? (There are always biases!)
3. How can I ensure these biases do not impact my analysis or are at the very least addressed? Do I need more or different data? Or do I need another set of eyes to review the data?
4. Is there any sensitive information in these data I should be aware about? If so, how can I protect its confidentiality?

## Source

Solving Public Problems, Chapter 6, p. 172

## PDF version

https://directus.theburnescenter.org/assets/cf7fc62e-9338-4497-9058-30a6cecd60c1

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Original page: https://worksheets.solvingpublicproblems.org/exercise/consider-risks · Licence: none stated