Research Briefing
Confidence intervals and statistical significance
What are confidence intervals? Why is statistical significance so important? How are these two concepts related?
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Research Briefing
Survey sampling
Guidance on survey sampling covering sample size, different types of probability sampling and non-probability sampling.
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Research Briefing
How to read potentially confusing charts
The patterns shown in some types of charts can be difficult to interpret, as can some types of data when charted. How do you spot these and tell what they actually 'say' about their data?
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Research Briefing
Measures of average and spread
What do we mean by the term average? What are the different types of average and measures of spread? How are these calculated?
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Research Briefing
Rounding and significant places
Guidance setting out some basic ways to round numbers to make them easier to understand, use and remember.
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Research Briefing
Time series index numbers
What are time series index numbers? How are they put together? When are they useful? How should you interpret their values and patterns?
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Research Briefing
How to understand and calculate percentages
What are percentages, why are they useful, how do you calculate them and what are the potential pitfalls when using them?
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Research Briefing
What is a billion? And other large numbers
Is there a UK definition of a billion? Is there a system for naming very large and very small numbers of units?
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Research Briefing
Military action: Parliament’s role
Does parliament have a say in deploying UK military forces?
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Research Briefing
The removal of titles and honours
In October 2025 the King “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”. This briefing examines how titles and other honours may be removed.
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Research Briefing
Pre-election period of sensitivity
Public resources cannot be used for party political campaigning at any time. At elections ministers will normally observe discretion over announcements or decisions that could influence voters.
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Research Briefing
Women in Politics and Public Life
Around 41% of MPs are female, and around 32% of peers. Women are increasingly present in public life, though representation is often lower at senior grades.
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Research Briefing
What is an unincorporated association?
An unincorporated association is a permissible donor in UK politics and is usually a members club. The Labour Party have proposed tightening the rules around their donations in the upcoming elections bill.
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Research Briefing
Is there a by-election when an MP changes party?
When an MP defects to another party, this is called 'crossing the floor'. Crossing the floor does not usually trigger a by-election in the MP's constituency.
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Research Briefing
General election 2024 results
Full results and analysis of the 4th July 2024 general election, where Labour won a majority in Parliament
Total results (page 12 of 162)