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CMNS 261 Statistical Sources. Sylvia Roberts Liaison Librarian for CMNS September 2009. Purpose of assignment. To help you: Gain familiarity with research for statistical sources of information Use statistical information effectively in the exploration of a research question
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CMNS 261 Statistical Sources Sylvia Roberts Liaison Librarian for CMNS September 2009
Purpose of assignment To help you: • Gain familiarity with research for statistical sources of information • Use statistical information effectively in the exploration of a research question • Introduce CMNS 261 research guide CMNS 261 - September 2009
Why be statistically fluent? “Objective statistical information is vital to an open and democratic society. It provides a solid foundation for informed decisionsby elected representatives, businesses, unions and non-profit organizations, as well as individual Canadians.” <http://www.statcan.ca/english/about/overview.htm> CMNS 261 - September 2009
Assessing the source • WHO has created/gathered the statistic • For WHAT PURPOSE • METHODOLOGICAL issues • Analytical method and measurements used • Definitions (variables, statistical units, classifications) • Currency and scope of data • Graphical representation • Complete or selective use of information • For example…. CMNS 261 - September 2009
Research process • Explore statistical aspects of a broad topic in secondary sources • Pinpoint a researchable question • Identify and find statistical overviews • Identify and find detailed statistical analysis in primary sources • Write report using resources found • Cite sources CMNS 261 - September 2009
Researchable question • Choose a specific question relating to: • Immigration • Home ownership • Internet access • E-commerce / online shopping • Child poverty • Violent crimes • Focus on recent trends over 2-3 years CMNS 261 - September 2009
Researchable question • Possible dimensions to explore: • Specificity • Geography • Chronology • Demography • Interconnectivity of factors CMNS 261 - September 2009
Primary or secondary source? CMNS 261 - September 2009
Primary sources • Statistics Canada primary federal agency • VERY credible source • Statistical data also: • Gathered by other government agencies in different jurisdictions and with specialized interests • Produced as research outcomes by scholars • Produced and cited by interest groups • Reported by journalists in news media CMNS 261 - September 2009
Secondary sources • Newspapers & news magazines • Canadian Newsstand • CBCA Complete • Academic search elite • Academic journal sources CMNS 261 - September 2009
CMNS 261 Research Guides CMNS 261 - September 2009
QUESTIONS? GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESEARCH!