What is Quantitative Data? How is it Different from Qualitative Data?
image courtesy of Regents Exam Prep Center
Where Do We Find Data?
- Nonpartisan, non-profit fact tanks, such as Pew Research Center, independently funded by trusts
- Government statistical agencies, such as the Census Bureau, funded by the government
- For-profit research companies, such as Gallup, contracted by individual businesses/ entities
- Scholarly Research, published in academic journals, funded by individual colleges/universities
- News Sources (television and print news)
- Non-profit advocacy groups, such as the American Diabetes Association or Mothers Against Drunk Driving
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.
Data Databases
In search of statistics to support your research? Here are some high quality sources:
- GapminderVideos, Flash presentations and PDF charts showing major global development trends with animated statistics in colorful graphics.
- Google Public DataProvides public data and forecasts from a range of international organizations and academic institutions, displayed as line graphs, bar graphs, cross sectional plots or on maps.
- 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. Statista offers statistics and survey results in the form of bar charts and tables and includes, for example, data on advertising, consumer behavior, separate business fields, and governmental data. These are divided over some 20 industry categories such as advertising, chemicals, energy, consumer goods, eCommerce, banking, and transportation.
Berea College
- Fact BookThe Fact Book is an annual compendium which includes a wide range of information and data about the College. Its purpose is to provide current and accurate data regarding Berea College's faculty, students, programs, facilities, and activities. (website)
- Student Geographical Origin ReportsThe Geographical Report contains Fall enrollment data broken out by geographical categories (countries, states, and counties). Maps are included.
Appalachian Region
- 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)
