Using the data >

Additional information on using statistics

For additional links on how to use and read statistics, please visit:

• Problems with Using Information, Statistics: Power From Data, Statistics Canada — This module provides tips on common problems, including misrepresentation of statistics, sampling error, and non-sampling error.

• Evaluating Internet Resources, Robert Harris, Virtual Salt — Though the information deals with assessing general information on the Internet, it is a good starting point for testing your critical thinking skills.

• / statistics / data analysis, Robert Niles — This site gives the top five questions that should be asked when evaluating data through a common sense approach.

• Evaluating Statistics Tutorial, Milner Library, Illinois State University — This online tutorial helps to clarify ways to evaluate statistical research at an introductory level.

• Evaluating Data, Valencia Community College — This site gives an overview of the key questions to ask when questioning data sources.

• Statistical Literacy: Reading tables of rates and percentages, Milo Schield — This paper highlights the most common pitfalls when reading statistical tables by one of the world's leading proponents of statistical literacy.

The Statistics Canada Regional Reference Centres also provide in-depth workshops on a variety of subjects, all geared to help you use Statistics Canada data more effectively.