Statistical Information

Even thought "statistics" and "data" are in a sense inseparable, we decide to list them in two separate guides. This guide specifically is designated to users who use statistical information from credible sources as "ready" statistics for their writing or research. The data guide is more intended for users who manipulate existing data as "raw" data in statistical software for further analyses.

What is the difference between Data and Statistics?

Data is raw information, while statistics are the results of analysis of that data. Data is the foundation for statistics, which are used to summarize and interpret data. For more information, read the article Raw Data from The Sage Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. 

When to use which?

Use statistics … if you need quick facts to make a point.

• If your point is that more males than females report bringing weapons onto campus, you can find statistics to support your argument.
• If you're arguing that the price of textbooks has been rising, you can find statistics to prove it.

Use data … if you need to do in-depth analysis for research

• If you want to make a correlation between aggressive behavior and gender and video games, you may need to find data and establish your own correlation.
• If you want to make a point that too much government money is spent on moon exploration, you may need to find data to compare money spent on social issues vs. moon exploration

Use statistics … if you need quick facts to make a point.

• If your point is that more males than females report bringing weapons onto campus, you can find statistics to support your argument.
• If you're arguing that the price of textbooks has been rising, you can find statistics to prove it.

Use data … if you need to do in-depth analysis for research

• If you want to make a correlation between aggressive behavior and gender and video games, you may need to find data and establish your own correlation.
• If you want to make a point that too much government money is spent on moon exploration, you may need to find data to compare money spent on social issues vs. moon exploration