STEP FOUR: FIND STATISTICS

When you read articles in newspapers and magazines, you frequently see statistical references. These statistics often strengthen and support the arguments or issues in the article. Statistics can be used in research papers as well. However, as with any other information, you must evaluate statistics and their source.

• Look at who or what agency has collected the information.
• Is there bias?
• Was the sample large enough?
• Were the statistics taken over a period of time?

The Ingram Library has a number of databases that allow you to locate statistics online, including:

Lexis Nexis Statistical Universe

Statistical Universe is a Lexis Nexis product that is not a part of GALILEO, but is supplied instead to UWG students by Ingram Library. It contains abstracts and descriptions of the statistical resources as well as links to websites of agencies that produce statistics - governmental, academic, non-governmental.Statistical Universe can be located by clicking on the the Databases link on the Library's Home Page.

From the resulting page, scroll down and click on the link for General Interest/Cultural Events, as shown below:

From the resulting screen, click on Lexis-Nexis Academic.

Doing so will take you to the Lexis-Nexis home page. To search Statistical Universe, click on Statistical from the menu on the left-hand side of the page, as shown below:

Enter your search terms from the resulting screen and click on Search (at the bottom of the page).

Doing so will take you to a results list based on the search terms that you entered. To view one of the statistical tables, simply click on Go to Table.

Statistical Abstract of the United States

Available in both print and online formats, the Statistical Abstract of the United States is published annually by the U.S. Government. It is a compilation of statistics, charts and tables taken from government agency files and private sources as well. The URL for the web version is: http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-us.html.