What are the statistics behind AI chatbots? Why do they sometimes "hallucinate"? And how can statistical thinking help you tell whether an AI-generated answer is reliable?
To help answer these questions, we have published a new set of FAQs on statistics, misinformation and AI, developed by members of the RSS Education Policy & Public Engagement Advisory Group. The resource explains key concepts in accessible language and offers practical advice on using AI critically and responsibly.
The FAQs form part of the RSS's wider work to promote statistical literacy and improve public understanding of AI. They cover topics including how large language models (LLMs) work, how prompts shape AI outputs, bias and discrimination in AI systems, the origins of training data, and why chatbots can sometimes seem surprisingly human.
As AI becomes a growing part of daily life, the ability to assess evidence, question claims and understand uncertainty is more important than ever. We encourage RSS members to explore the FAQs and share them with colleagues, educators, students, friends and family who may find them useful.
Read the FAQs here.