CMNS 261 Statistical Sources for

Assignment #1

Sylvia RobertsLiaison Librarian for CMNS

Spring 2014

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

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

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

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.”

<http://www.statcan.gc.ca/about-apercu/about-apropos-eng.htm?MM>

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

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

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

CC attribution license: http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/cell_phones.png

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

Researchable question

Choose a specific question relating to: Aboriginal health Internet use Crime rates Post-secondary education

Look at trends Examine factors that may have

influential in these changes

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

Researchable question

Possible dimensions to explore: Specificity Geography Chronology Demography Interconnectivity of factors

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

CC attribution license: http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/correlation.png

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

Research process1. Explore statistical aspects of a broad

topic in secondary sources 2. Browse Statistics Canada publications by

topic, subtopic and publication type3. Brainstorm more specific questions

within the broad topic4. Search for relevant statistical sources 5. Write report using resources found6. Cite sources

CMNS 261 Research Guides

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

Secondary sources

Newspapers & news magazines Canadian Newsstand CBCA Complete

Statistics Canada sources Canada Year Book The Daily

CMNS 261 - Spring 2014

Primary sources Statistics Canada primary federal agency 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

QUESTIONS?GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESEARCH!