UNST On Demoncracy: Statistics
Why Use Statistics?
Statistics are a great way to provide concrete evidence of a trend, or make a theoretical argument tangible. If you are looking for a quick number, you will want a statistic. Statistics provide an interpretation and summary of collected data. Statistics can come from many different places, such as the government and non-profit organizations.
Finding Statistics
Find Statistics from the Library and the Web
PSU Library Databases for Statistics
- Proquest Statistical Abstract of the United States
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Maintains the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States. - Statista
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Provides statistics from over 18,000 free and proprietary sources on a wide range of topics such as business, media, and demographics. - Social Explorer
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Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to access current and historical U.S. Census data and demographic information. It contains maps, profile reports, data elements, and variables. - ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research)Archives social science data that includes aging, child care, criminal justice, demography, education, political science as well as public and mental health.
Recommended Websites for Statistics
- American FactFinderFind popular facts (population, income, etc.) and frequently requested data about your community.
- UN StatsCompiles and disseminates global statistical information from the United Nations
- EurostatStatistical information provided to the institutions of the European Union.