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Data & statistics for writers

Data & statistics for writers. (some of) what you’ll need to know. Walter W. Giesbrecht Data Librarian, York University. AS/WRIT 2300 2007.02.06. what’s on the menu. definitions types of data & statistics, analysis sources of data & statistics. how to deal with numeric panic?.

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Data & statistics for writers

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  1. Data & statisticsfor writers (some of) what you’ll need to know Walter W. Giesbrecht Data Librarian, York University AS/WRIT 2300 2007.02.06

  2. what’s on the menu • definitions • types of data & statistics, analysis • sources of data & statistics

  3. how to deal with numeric panic? • understand what you’re looking for (i.e., become more statistically literate) • ask the right questions • search the right sources

  4. what are data? • facts or figures from which conclusions can be drawn • numeric files created and organized • for analysis, or to create a new table • includes geographic data • (to make maps)

  5. Without data, all you are is just another person with an opinion.–Unknown Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all. - Charles Babbage

  6. what are statistics? • type of information obtained through mathematical operations on numerical data • statistics are processed data, or data that have been analyzed in some way • generally used to support an argument or position in a study or report

  7. There are two kinds of statistics, the kind youlook up, and the kind you make up.- Rex Stout If you want to inspire confidence, give plenty of statistics. It does not matter that they should be accurate, or even intelligible, as long as there is enough of them.- Lewis Carroll The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they are okay, then it’s you.- Rita Mae Brown

  8. data vs. statistics • difference between looking at a photograph and taking the photograph yourself • statistics are like a photograph or postcard • a captured image of the data chosen by someone else • data are like the view through a camera • you choose the view you want

  9. aggregate data • data that have been grouped or summarized in some way • e.g., by geography or age group • boundary between aggregate data and statistics sometimes blurry

  10. aggregate data structure • time • geography • social content

  11. example of aggregate data table

  12. microdata • unsummarized data • often samples of actual responses to surveys • two types of microdata files • master file -- raw data, usually of restricted availability • PUMF (public-use microdata file) -- anonymized version of master file-- available for purchase

  13. column 42-44 -- # visits to eye specialist column 13 – pets? column 8 -- sex of respondent National Population Health Survey microdata file excerpt

  14. aggregate data vs. microdata • aggregate data is what you’ll be working with (most of the time) • microdata requires access to statistical software or web-based interface

  15. essential factors in data research • geography • time • level of observation • format • intended use • cost (and ability to pay!)

  16. This is all very interesting,but Where do I find the[insert favourite expletive here]data !?!

  17. Go to the source! • get your data from the people who produce/distribute it • consider possible biases • who/when/why/how

  18. Canada International United States • Federal • National Accounts • Census • Trade • Provincial • Health • Education United Nations OECD IMFWorld Bank Eurostats • Federal Departments • Commerce • Labor • Justice • Agriculture

  19. Canadian data • Statistics Canada is generally the first stop for Canadian data • search tools: • the Daily • Online catalogue • E-STAT • Statistics by Subject • Community Profiles

  20. CANSIM • premier source of Canadian time-series data • available through • E-STAT (updated annually) • STC – same interface as E-STAT, but updated daily; $3/time series • subscription via UofT

  21. E-STAT • intended for use by education community • provides free access to CANSIM • CANSIM on E-STAT only updated once a year • census data from 1986-2006, and selected censuses from 1665-1871 • data can be mapped/exported

  22. maps generated in GeoSearch 2006

  23. Sources of international data • United States • United Nations • International agencies

  24. United States • Bureau of the Census • fedstats.gov • Statistical Abstracts of the United States

  25. United Nations • data.un.org • many useful print publications as well, e.g., Statistical Yearbook • most specialized agencies have their own statistical publications and/or websites

  26. Other sources of international statistics • OECD • World Bank • National statistical agencies • OFFSTATS

  27. sources of help for writers • Statistics every writer should know • Statistics: Power from Data! • STATS (“checking out the facts & figures behind the news”) • your local librarian!

  28. Be prepared for disappointment! • Some of what you want • Won’t exist • Won’t be readily available to you • Will cost too much

  29. One last thing ... • Don’t be afraid to ask for help! • All the stupid questions have already been asked … by “experts”

  30. Library home page > Research > Course research guides> WRIT 2300datalib@yorku.ca Walter W. Giesbrecht Data Librarian, York University AS/WRIT 2300 2010.02.02

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