Statistical Sources Lesson

Using and Evaluating Print Resources

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Statistical Sources

Often when doing research we will need to back up our statements with statistical evidence. There are numerous resources available which provide such information. They come in different forms and present the data in different ways. Let us begin with two popular statistical resources that present statistical data in a traditional manner.

The Statistical Abstract of the United States is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Most of the data comes from federal agencies; some comes from private institutions.

To use Statistical Abstract effectively we must consult the index at the back of the book. The index is arranged by subject and refers us to the data tables.

Another source for statistical data and factual information is The World Almanac and Book of Facts. Almanacs contain information covering a wide range of interests. We can lookup sports statistics, consult historical timelines, get statistical information about countries and world religions, etc. The World Almanac is the perfect source to consult when we are interested in quickly locating a fact or statistic.

In addition to general statistical resources, there are also more specialized statistical handbooks. The Statistical Handbook on Women in America is one example. The handbook presents statistics on demographic, health and social characteristics, and the employment and economic status of women in America.

There are similar statistical handbooks produced for just about every racial group in America. Go to the library reference room to locate these resources.

In addition to statistical handbooks which present the reader with raw statistical data, there are others that provide more contextual information. A Matter of Fact: Statements Containing Statistics on Current Social, Economic, and Political Issues is one such resource. A Matter of Fact contains selected full-text excerpts from congressional hearings, the Congressional Record, and other sources designed to inform and influence public opinion. In addition to the full-text excerpt, A Matter of Fact provides a citation to the original document. Many of the citations are to government documents located and available on the Internet; others can be acquired from a federal depository library.

Subject heading example

Excerpt and citation

A Matter of Fact is arranged by subject (similar to a print periodical index). Under the subject heading is listed any relevant cross references and individual excerpts. At the end of the excerpt is the citation to the original document.

Another valuable resource that pulls together statistical information is the CQ Researcher. Unlike the resources we have examined so far, the CQ Researcher provides the reader with critical analysis of the data. It is published bi-weekly in magazine format. Each issue is devoted to a specific topic and provides the reader with background information on the topic, current issues surrounding the topic, statistics and research results, a pro and con perspective, and an extensive bibliography. Below is the CQ Researcher from August 5, 1996, which was devoted to genetically engineered foods.

CQ Researcher

The CQ Researcher is located with the periodicals in the MCTC library.

In addition to the magazine format, the MCTC library also subscribes to an annual cumulative bound volume as well as the online edition. The bound volume is located in the reference room at REF 300 C76. The online edition is located in the Database section on the Library Home Page. If you are viewing this Tutorial on campus you can also go directly to CQ Researcher online.

To locate information in the CQ Researcher we need to use the index. Each bound volume has a cumulative index going back to 1991, and a separate index is published quarterly. The index is arranged by subject and points us to an individual issue. The index lists the title of the individual issue, the date of publication, and the page number in the bound volume. Below is a page from the 1997 index.

It is now time for you to explore statistical resources on your own. Print the Statistics Assignment and answer the questions. The resources you need will be located in your college library or a large public library. When you are done proceed to Lesson 6, Citing your Sources.