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ENGL-C1001 Epstein-Corbin: Data & Statistics

Critical Thinking and Writing

Finding & Using Data & Statistics

Definitions

While the terms data and statistics are often used interchangeably, they are different.

  • Data are individual pieces of factual information recorded and used for the purpose of analysis. It is the raw information from which statistics are created. 
  • Statistics are the results of data analysis; it's the interpretation and presentation. In other words, some computation has taken place that provides some understanding of what the data means.

There is no single source / place where you can find government data and statistics / public opinion information online.

Keywords

One strategy you can use when searching for data and statistics related to a topic online is to add the words data or statistics or poll to your search terms.

Domain

You can also restrict results to government statistics and data by adding site:gov to your search.

While including statistics can provide credibility to your argument, including faulty statistics can harm your argument.  You need to evaluate the source of your statistical information. The following questions will help you to evaluate the reliability of statistical information.

  • Who is the author or organization of the source that presents the statistics? What are the author's credentials or organization's purpose? Is the author or organization an authority on the subject? Could the author or organization be presenting bias?
  • What is the date of the statistics? How current are they? Are they relevant to the time period that you are interested in?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • What type of publication is the data published in? Is the data clearly represented?
  • Can the data be cross-checked in other reliable sources?
  • Can the statistics be verified? Do the methods used and data presented seem valid?

Purdue OWL's Writing with Statistics guide is a great resource for helping you work with statistics in your writing.

Suggested Statistical / Public Opinion Sources