We often conflate data and statistics, using them interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.
Data are the raw numbers used to create statistics.
Statistics are a way of interpreting or summarizing that data.
Ask yourself these two questions when searching for data and statistics:
1. Who might collect and publish this type of data?
Government agencies, state agencies, non-profits, for-profits, and academic institutions regularly conduct and publish research. If you are not sure where to find data/statistics, try to discover the group or agency most likely to collect and publish that information.
2. What type of publications would cite this data?
If you can't find data/statistics through one of our databases or freely online, try searching for academic articles that would cite the type of information you hope to find.
We have a number of books on using SPSS and Excel to analyze data and create statistics. If you need help selecting one of these resources, speak to a librarian.
SPSS is installed on all the Windows PCs in Wardman Library.