Post on 24-Feb-2016
description
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!