On the spectrum between pure theory and pure data, David Spiegelhalter discusses his methods through the lens of how information can be most effectively transmitted to the public. Approaches that are more data driven have the advantage of being palatable to the general public, whereas pure theory approaches might limit understanding to people who already possess expertise in interpreting the data in that given field. Of course, there are drawbacks to this method, in that pure data relies on interpreting unique observations - and a large amount of observations at that - in order to formulate predictions. Using theory to apply general framework in many different situations is much more efficient.
Expanding on the accessibility component of data being presented to the public, Sir Spiegelhalter advocates for how scenario-based presentations to the public can be extremely helpful in transmitting data to the public in a manner that they understand. By showing how various outcomes will play out in a simulation, people can have a visual aid to trying to digest complex theories.