Definition: Data Divergence

Data divergence occurs when different data are used to characterize problems – to explain what happened, why, the results and possible remedies. 

Data divergence can result from sincere scientific disagreement, both within and between disciplines. Data divergence can also result from the different positions from which problems are observed and experienced, as when residents of a polluted neighborhood characterize a problem based on what they observed or experienced (negative health effects, for example) while representatives of government agencies characterize a problem based on environmental monitoring data, which often characterizes a problem at a regional rather than neighborhood scale.  Greenwashing (misleading advertising) and other forms of intentional disinformation also produce data divergence.