Data and Statistics Just as trees are the raw material from which paper is produced, so too, can data be viewed as the raw material from which information is obtained. - Statistics Canada Data is all around us. Statistics are used to make sense of this data and apply this information to make informed decisions. Data is often numerical such as weights, temperatures, and dollars. For example, you might be interested in census data or cost of living during a particular year. However it can also take the form of patterns, images, or signals. In general, the purpose of collecting data is to provide information to archive for later use or apply to an immediate question or problem. Data becomes information when it is organized in a framework that is useful. Statistics is a type of information derived from mathematical operations applied to numeric data. For example, census data can be used to create statistics such as the average age of city residents. Earthquake data can be used to identify the most common location of earthquakes or the highest magnitude earthquakes through history. Statistics can be used to address questions and provide evidence to make informed decisions. Read Power from Data from Statistics Canada for a wonderful overview of data, information, and statistics. This online book describes data collection and processing, information in society, problems with using information, confidentiality, data organizing and analysis, and communication. |
Locating Data and Statistics Interesting data can be found throughout the Internet. However the problem lies in locating accurate, useful information that matches a specific information need. 42explore: Statistics and Probability Fed Stats Geostat: Historical Census Browser National Geophysical Data Center from NOAA Real-Time Data Sites from CIESE Government and Politics from Multnomah County Library Robert Niles' Journalism Help: Finding Data on the Internet Statistics at the State and Local Levels Statistics from Digital Librarian
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Evaluating and Using Data and Statisics Decisions are often based on statistical information. However caution must be taken in interpreting and presenting data to ensure the validity of information. Statistics can easily be misused. Read Problems with Using Information from Statistics Canada to learn more about dealing with statistics.
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Digital Data Census Data The first census took place in 1790. In the United States, a census takes place every 10 years. Although the census officials strive to count everyone, some people think as many as 1 in 100 may be missed. The data from census is used for determining representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, determine eligiblity for public services, and population statistics. Census Bureau Census of Canada, 1901 - AchiviaNet Census Online GeoStat Center: Historical Census Browser USGenWeb Census Project Lesson Plans, Activities, and Census Data Election Data Federal Election Commission Lesson Plans, Activities, and Election Data Disease Data Center for Disease Control Lesson Plans, Activities, and Disease Data Earth and Space Data Earth and Moon Viewer Molecular Expressions Surface Distance Between Two Points of Latitude and Longitude Environment Environmental Poll from Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy Government Data Budget of the US Government Business and Economy Crime and Justice Statistics Economic Indicators FedStats FirstGov Public Disclosure Commission Health, Food & Drug Data AgingStats.Gov Agriculture and Food KidsData Lesson Plans, Activities, and Health, Food & Drug Data
Immigration and Migration Data American Immigration Home Page Ellis Island Records Migration Information Source US Office of Immigration Statistics Lesson Plans, Activities, and Immigration Data Labor and Employment Data U.S. Department of Labor Marriage Records GenWed.com Weather Data Lesson Plans, Activities, and Weather Data
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Global Sources European Union Statistics Statistics Canada National Statistic Online from the United Kingdom Nation Master Population Reference Bureau State of World Population from UNFPA Statistical Sites on the World Wide Web United Nations CyberBus Your Nation |
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