Where Do We Find Statistics?
- Statista This link opens in a new windowStatista is an online statistics portal that provides access to data from market and opinion research institutions, as well as from business organizations and government institutions, such as the World Bank, the US Census Bureau, the Pew Research Center, and the IMF.
- Appalachian Regional Commission: Research Reports, Maps, DataThe Appalachian Regional Commission compiles data, creates maps, and conducts research and evaluations on key economic, demographic, and quality of life factors that affect the current and future development prospects of the Appalachian Region. The most frequently requested reports, maps, and data are available online. (website)
Why Use Data?
Why Use Data?
- Data can help us strengthen our argument.
- Data, such as statistics and demographics can help us analyze trends and relationships between economic, social, cultural, and biological processes influencing a population.
- Data can transform something abstract into something everyone can understand and relate to. For example, data can reveal how some abstract threat such as unemployment affects people based on their age, gender, or education. (From the Data Journalism Handbook
Words of Caution
- Just because we are interested in something doesn't mean there has been data collected on that topic.
- Even when data has been collected, it may not be available. Some data is proprietary.
- Be wary of the source of your statistics. Consider that numbers can be misleading and that data may be compromised for many reasons, including sponsor bias, method of conducting research, sample size, etc.
How to Write with Statistics Effectively
- Purdue's OWL Writing Lab - Writing w/ StatisticsThis online guide explains how to write with statistics including quick tips, writing descriptive statistics, writing inferential statistics, and using visuals with statistics.
