The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

social science number
 n., //

    [IBM] A statistic that is content-free, or nearly so. A measure derived
    via methods of questionable validity from data of a dubious and vague
    nature. Predictively, having a social science number in hand is seldom much
    better than nothing, and can be considerably worse. As a rule, management
    loves them. See also numbers, math-out, pretty pictures.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

social science number

   (IBM) A statistic that is content-free, or nearly so.  A
   measure derived via methods of questionable validity from data
   of a dubious and vague nature.  Predictively, having a social
   science number in hand is seldom much better than nothing, and
   can be considerably worse.  Management loves them.

   See also numbers, math-out, pretty pictures.

   (1994-11-04)