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 tableThe cells in the table are the number ofestimated smokers.

Geography

Region

TimePeriods

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.

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!

ClassificationsSex

Total

Male

Female

Periods

1994-1995

1996-1997

Some classifications are based on standards while others are based on convention or practice.

For example, Standard 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.

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 2006.

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. 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