1. CMNS 261 Statistical Sources Sylvia Roberts Liaison Librarian for CMNS September 2009

2. CMNS 261 - 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

3. 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 decisions by elected representatives, businesses, unions and non-profit organizations, as well as individual Canadians.” informed decisions informed decisions http://www.statcan.ca/english/about/overview.htm

4. 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…. For example For example

5. CMNS 261 - September 2009 Research process 1. Explore statistical aspects of a broad topic in secondary sources 2. Pinpoint a researchable question 3. Identify and find statistical overviews 4. Identify and find detailed statistical analysis in primary sources 5. Write report using resources found 6. Cite sources

6. 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

7. CMNS 261 - September 2009 Researchable question  Possible dimensions to explore:  Specificity  Geography  Chronology  Demography  Interconnectivity of factors

8. Primary or secondary source? CMNS 261 - September 2009

9. Primary sources  Statistics Canada primary federal agency  VERY credible source VERY credible source 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

10. CMNS 261 - September 2009 Secondary sources  Newspapers & news magazines  Canadian Newsstand  CBCA Complete  Academic search elite  Academic journal sources

11. CMNS 261 Research Guides CMNS 261 - September 2009

12. QUESTIONS? GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESEARCH!