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Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Donna Tolson Scholars’ Lab University of Virginia Library Virginia State University & Radford University June 6 & 7, 2007 Scholars’ Lab Today’s topics General stuff about statistical information Finding & using domestic statistics Finding & using international statistics Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Texts vs. Statistics • Qualitative • Database = collection of texts or citations • Key word • Rarely need metadata • Majority published privately Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond • Quantitative • Database = collection of observations • Variable • Usually need metadata • Majority published publicly Scholars’ Lab Statistics vs. Data • Usually aggregated • Count, %, µ, x:y, S, ranking • The “quick answer” • WYSIWYG • For use as context, evidence, or argument Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond • Usually microdata • Matrix or spreadsheet of values • Never a “quick answer” • Exists to be analyzed • For research, testing hypotheses Scholars’ Lab A few things to know…. • Statistics come from data about populations (enumeration) or samples (survey). • The bigger the sample, the more reliable the statistics. • Aggregated statistics generally can’t be disaggregated, or filtered. This is what microdata is for. • Confidentiality is strictly enforced – affects access to statistics about small populations and microdata. Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab The statistical reference interview How will the information be used? Context = statistics vs. Analysis = dataset Statistics about what or who? Person, household, country, etc. = unit of analysis When? Most current vs. time series Where? Geographic level as well as precise location, Single vs. multiple locations Beware the data fallacy: Just because someone asks the question doesn’t mean there is an answer! Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Locating statistics • In library catalogs, search for specific variable (e.g. income) AND statistics • Web sources may not be cataloged – time to Google • Work backwards from data sources cited in articles • Consult comprehensive sources: – University web sites: Michigan, Virginia – Government web sites: FedStats – Published statistical databases: LexisNexis Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Domestic Statistics: Government sources • Statistics available on most anything regulated or funded by government • Shrinking number of pre-analyzed statistics • Growing number of interactive data sites • Rarely, government withdraws data – ex. immigration statistics • Data you won’t find in government sources: – Religion data – Market-based information (who buys what) – Polling data or opinion surveys Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Interactive data sites + + + + + PROs Increased access to large datasets Allows selection of variables Customizable queries Automatically handles weighting, etc. Can omit need for statistical software Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond – – – – – CONs No standard system Multi-step process May use short, confusing variable names Rarely includes analysis Not for statistical novices Scholars’ Lab Locating U.S. statistical info • Begin with StatUSA or FedStats or U.S. Statistical Abstract • Is geography or subject more important? Search accordingly. • If you’re in search of a few statistics, reports are fine. If you’re in search of many statistics or data, skip pdfs and look for online or downloadable data (unless you’re looking for citations of data sources). Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Federal sites worth getting to know American Factfinder for demographics, economics & housing CDC for health data and vital statistics BJS for crime & law enforcement NCES for education BLS for labor force and employment Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Locating historical statistics • Generally, online data only available from mid-1990s • Selected sources for historical data: • FedStats – look for historical statistics links • Census • Selected historical data and publications • Historical Census Browser • Be ready to help patrons navigate off the web and into print Documents (oh no!!) Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab International Statistics • Several comprehensive sources • Most countries have statistical agencies, but few have as much free information as U.S. • “Global” statistics are part of the data fallacy – generally an aggregate of as many countries as possible is the best you can do • Use IE Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Comprehensive Sources • UN Common Database (274 countries & areas) • Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (30 member countries) • Eurostat (EU member countries) • World Bank (185 member countries) • Nationmaster Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Country-specific Sources Most other countries have one or two agencies in charge of producing statistical information • • BLS Statistical Sites on the Worldwide Web Univ. of Auckland Official Statistics on the Web Remember to: 1. use IE 2. look for English translation (can be tricky!) Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Locating NGO statistics • Public opinion surveys & polls: • World Public Opinion • Some polling archives offer some data for free: • The Gallup Poll – exit polls • Roper Center for Public Opinion – presidential approval ratings • Statistics & data on religion: • Association of Religion Data Archives • Adherents.com • Market-based data Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond Scholars’ Lab Thank you! Donna Tolson [email protected] Statistics on the Web: VIVA and Beyond