Data & Statistics - ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry - LibGuides at Isothermal Community College

Using Statistics in Your Research

Numbers are powerful. Words can sometimes be difficult to define, and are therefore ambiguous, but numbers and statistics tend to provide a feeling of solidity and security. 5 is always greater than 4, and 10 is always half of 20.

As sure as numbers can be, statistics can be confusing, and easily misunderstood or misused. Even when used correctly some writers and presenters make the mistake of assuming that the statistics speak for themselves. A statistic is a measurement of something, and in order for an audience to understand the statistic they need to be aware of exactly what was measured, how it was measured, and how that information was reported.

The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill has an excellent online handout about understanding the using statistics effectively.

Sample Statistics

Energy Information Administration. "Energy Supply And Disposition By Type Of Fuel: 1973 To 2018 [Selected Years]." ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the U.S. 2019 Online Edition. ProQuest, 2019. Web. 15 Aug 2019.

Economic Research Service (USDA). "Food And Alcoholic Beverage Expenditures By Sales Outlet: 2000 To 2017 [Selected Years]." ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the U.S. 2019 Online Edition. ProQuest, 2019. Web. 15 Aug 2019.

Databases for Data & Statistics

Regional Accounts Data This link opens in a new window
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis data: income & population estimates, employment, wage and salary estimates.
Includes information on National Data (GDP and Personal Income; Fixed Assets); Industry Data (GDP by Industry and Input-Output); International Data (International Transactions, Services & IIP, Direct Investment and MNEs), and Regional Data (GDP & Personal Income).
State Data Center This link opens in a new window
The site includes population, economic, and income data as well as county profiles and rankings.
"The State Data Center... is a consortium of agencies cooperating with the US Bureau of the Census to provide the public with data about the state and its component geographic areas."
Statista This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Statista includes over one million data from over 18,000 sources, related to marketing, demographic, government & industry information.
"Statista is one of the leading statistics companies on the internet. With a team of over 450 statisticians, database experts, analysts, and editors, Statista provides users with an innovative and intuitive tool for researching quantitative data, statistics and related information." About 20 percent of the total data, which is international in scope, comes from sources available free online, such as the World Bank and the U.S. Census, but the data also includes numerous exclusive sources which include industry, marketing, and trade groups. Data can be downloaded in image (PNG), Excel (XLSX), PowerPoint (PPTX), or PDF.
Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
An authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States.
"In print, the Statistical Abstract of the United States is a one-volume, comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Online it is 1400+ individually indexed tables (with attached spreadsheets), both searchable and browsable. Use the Abstract as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information both in print and on the Web."

Sample Statistics

Armstrong, Martin. "Which Degree Will Earn You The Most?." Statista, Statista Inc. Web. 15 Feb 2019.

You will find more infographics at Statista

Helpful Information

Chat with a librarian.

Chat loading...

Operated by ChatStaff and LibraryH3lp,
24/7 except federal holidays.

Phone: 828-395-1307

Email: library@isothermal.edu

Library Hours

Library Staff

Directions

College Homepage Isothermal Community College homepage.
Library Homepage Isothermal Community College homepage
Moodle Moodle is the College's learning management system (LMS). It hosts individual course websites used by instructors and students.
NC LIVE NC LIVE is North Carolina’s statewide online library service. eBooks, magazines, newspapers, journals, media, and other online materials are available from any Internet connection via library websites. NC LIVE resources are available to all North Carolinians through their local public, community college, or academic library. Contact your local library for free access to NC LIVE resources. Login information for Isothermal students and employees is posted in Moodle.
Student/Employee Login Log into your Isothermal account to access email, Patriot Port, Moodle, and your other college services.
Interlibrary Loan Information about and form to request loans from other libraries facilitated by the Isothermal CCC Library.
A to Z Index of Databases A complete list of all databases offered by NC LIVE and the College Library.

Sample Statistics

Percentage of Population with Some College, by Zip Code

Easy Analytic Software Inc. Census Data: Educational Attainment. (2018). SimplyAnalytics. Retrieved from SimplyMap database. Web. 15 Aug 2019.

ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry: Data & Statistics

Using Statistics in Your Research

Sample Statistics

Databases for Data & Statistics

Sample Statistics

Helpful Information

Sample Statistics