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How Do I Find? Business: Data/Statistics@APUS

This guide provides an overview of how to find business data and statistics sources.

Business Data & Statistics Resources

Welcome | Finding Business Data and Statistics

This guide will highlight resources available to APUS students, faculty, and staff on business data and statostocs resources.

Use the tabs to the left to navigate throughout the guide.

Helpful Tips

Who collects data?

  • Government agencies collect data that can be found (mostly) free via the internet.
  • Organizations provide data sets in SPSS, Excel, SAS or Stata format.
What is the difference between Data and Statistics?  |   Data is the raw information from which statistics are created. Statistics provide an interpretation and summary of data.

 

What is a Statistic?  |   According to BusinessDictionary.com, the definition of Statistics is "Branch of mathematics concerned with collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical facts, for drawing inferences on the basis of their quantifiable likelihood (probability). Statistics can interpret aggregates of data too large to be intelligible by ordinary observation because such data (unlike individual quantities) tend to behave in regular, predictable manner. It is subdivided into descriptive statistics and inferential statistics."

 

Statistics
  • Statistical tables, charts, and graphs
  • Reported numbers and percentages in an article

If you’re looking for a quick number, you want a statistic. A statistic will answer “how much” or “how many”. A statistic repeats a pre-defined observation about reality.

Statistics are the results of data analysis. They usually are presented in the form of a table or chart.

Data
  • Datasets
  • Machine-readable data files, data files for statistical software programs

If you want to understand a phenomenon, you want data. Data can be analyzed and interpreted using statistical procedures to answer “why” or “how.” Data is used to create new information and knowledge.

Raw data is the direct result of research that was conducted as part of a study or survey. It is a primary source. It usually comes in the form of a digital data set that can be analyzed using software such as Excel, SPSS, SAS, and so on.

 MORE TIPS
  • Need to find demographic and economic data on cities and towns with more than 5,000 people?  Try the State & County Quick Facts from the U.S. Dept of Commerce, Census Bureau  (listed in the  Business Data & Statistics tab> US Data & Statistics)
  • Need to find more detail on U.S. household characteristics?  Try the American Community Survey from the U.S. Dept of Commerce, Census Bureau (listed in the  Business Data & Statistics tab> US Data & Statistics)
  • Need to find mapping tools?  Select Finding Data & Statistics (left navigation)

Finding Data & Statisics Sites

U.S. National | State Statistics
U.S. International Statistics

Finding Statistics | Search Strategy #1: Identify potential producers who collect &/or publish statistics

If you visit an organization’s website you may be able to locate the information and if not, here are some of the main types of producers of statistical information:

Government Agencies
  • The government collects data to aid in policy decisions and is the largest producer of statistics overall. For example, the U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Election Commission, Federal Highway Administration and many other agencies collect and publish data. Government statistics are free and publicly available, but may require access through library resources.
Non-Government Organizations
  • Many independent non-commercial and nonprofit organizations collect and publish statistics that support their social platform. For example, the International Monetary Fund, United Nations, World Health Organization, and many others collect and publish statistics.
Academic Institutions
  • Academic research projects funded by public and private foundations create a wealth of data.  Some statistical publications are available freely online.
Private Sector
  • Commercial firms collect and publish data and statistics as a paid service to clients or to sell broadly, although the information is usually fee-based and may not always be available for public release.

Finding Statistics | Search Strategy #2 : See Related Guides | Finding Aids

Important!  For the most part, these and similar resources will provide or direct you to statistical tables and publications.  By looking at the source notes of a statistical table or noting the publisher of a report you can identify producers of data. 

Finding Statistics | Search Strategy #3: Targeted Online Searches | Databases

Consider the range of resources available to you and make an intelligent choice on where to search.
Think about where to search and which keywords to use.  A targeted search can often yield fruitful results.
 

Books on statistical publications will always include the keyword "statistics" in the subject information.  For example:

United States -- Statistics

 

Look for statistics reported in journal, news, and magazine articles.  If they report a source, be sure to follow it up!

By searching periodical indexes, you can determine if anyone has conducted research into your area of inquiry.  You may turn up a journal article with statistical tables on your topic, or you may find out that you have chosen such a unique topic that little to no research exists in that area.  Maybe you can be flexible with your topic and find a similar substitute.

Here are just a few recommendations & be sure to check the links listed in Search Strategy #2:listed above!

Finding Statistics | Search Strategy #4: Ask for help

Knowing when to call in reinforcements is important.

Keep in mind that one possible reason nothing is turning up is that the statistic or data you need is simply not available!  Be flexible and consider alternative measures.

Find | Economics Data & Statistics

Economic Data Resources
Economic Releases

Select SPSS Titles

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