Sociology 343 Chuck Humphrey Data Library University of Alberta

Outline Introduction to published statistics  Distinguish between statistics and data  Questions to ask about published statistics Online sources for finding published statistics  Statistics Canada website  E-STAT  Online guide to published statistics Some examples

Quantitative information Statistics Numeric facts & figures Derived from data, i.e, already processed Presentation-ready Published Data Numeric files created and organized for analysis or processing Requires processing Not display-ready Disseminated, not published

WHERE ARE THE DATA!

Microdata

Statistics Six dimensions or variables in this table The cells in the table are the number of estimated smokers. Geography Region Time Periods Unit of Observation Attributes Smokers Education Age Sex

Statistics are about definitions! Statistics are dependent on definitions. You may think of statistics as numbers, but the numbers represent measurements or observations based on specific definitions.definitions Tables are structured around geography, time and social content based on attributes of the unit of observation. These properties all need definitions.

Statistics involve classifications! Classifications Sex Total Male Female Periods

Some classifications are based on standards while others are based on convention or practice. For example, Standard Geography classifications Geography classifications Statistics involve classifications!

Questions to ask about statistics  Who published this statistic?  Can you name the producer or distributor of the data?  You need this information to provide a citation for the statistics.  You should ask yourself what motive is behind this published statistic.  Can you identify a data source for the statistic?  If there isn’t a data source, the statistic isn’t real.  Is there enough information that you could find the data?  Can you name the data source itself?

Questions to ask about statistics  What view of the data is shown in this statistic?  What level of geography is shown?  What time period is shown?  What social characteristics are shown?  What concepts are represented in this statistic?  Are definitions provided with the statistic for geography, time or the social characteristics?  Was a standard classification system used for the categories of the statistic?

Online sources for statistics For characteristics about Canadians, you need to become familiar with Statistics Canada’s website.website This is a complex website. Use the “Find statistics” list on the page and search for statistics by browsing subject terms. Historical Statistics

E-STAT E-STAT is a portal to free CANSIM time series statistics and Census results from 1981 to E-STAT CANSIM on Statistics Canada’s website charges $3.00 a time series, while these statistics accessed through CANSIM on E- STAT are free.

Online guide to published stats The Library homepage has useful guides for locating statistics online and in print.guides  Guide to Statistical Sources  Resource Guide to Health Statistics

Summary Official statistics online from government websites Official statistics in print Non-official statistics online from non- governmental organizations Non-official statistics in print Polling data online and in print