Introduction
This guide will help you to identify and locate sources for data and statistics. Keep in mind that although "data" and "statistics" are often used interchangably, there is a difference. Statistics are a form of data, while data in its "raw" form is not statistics.
Evaluate your sources
Be critical: use the CRAAP test when viewing data and statistics.
Currency: Note that you may not always find statistics up to date -- it takes a while to collect the data and then publish it.
Relevance: Do the statistics support your topic?
Authority: Statistics from government agencies should be trustworthy! Always verify the source of the statistics.
Accuracy: Look at the statistics carefully for obvious errors.
Purpose: Look for bias. Anyone can take data and present it to suit their argument.
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