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Finding Data & Statistics
Statistics can strengthen your argument or provide valuable context for the scope of the issue you're researching. Begin by thinking critically about who might collect and analyze data on your topic. Government agencies, international bodies, and specialized research groups all might be great sources to get you started!
As you're starting your search, remember that data is different from statistics. Data is raw information, while statistics are data that have been analyzed and interpreted. Keep that in mind as you consider what type of information you need.
Online Statistical Sources
National Resources
These resources provide data and statistic resources at the national level on topics such as demographics, enrollment, policies, and many other topics. Some also include general educational resources.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)Online publications and statistical data from NCES, the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the United States and other nations.
- National Education AssociationAll aspects of public education are addressed including improving the quality of teaching and increasing student achievements. Resources and statistics are given for each of the fifty states.
- U.S. Department of EducationProvides information about policies, programs, and funding, as well as statistics and resources for educators.
- The Condition of EducationAnnual publication of the National Center for Education Statistics provides information about developments, indicators, and trends in major aspects of U.S. education.
- U.S. Census Bureau: EducationProvides relevant data and data visualizations from topics ranging from enrollment statistics to school costs.
- Common Core of Data (CCD): Information on Public Schools and School Districts in the United StatesFrom the National Center for Education Statistics, includes data resources with information and statistics for public elementary and secondary schools.
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)Provides data about student performance at national, regional, and state levels.
Rhode Island Resources
These resources are for more Rhode Island focused data and statistics, particularly about demographics and public schooling.
- Rhode Island Kids Count"Serves as a clearinghouse of data across issue areas and breaks down data by race, ethnicity, income, city/town, age, gender, immigration status, disability, multilingual learners, LGBTQ youth, children in foster care, and children experiencing homelessness."
- Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE)Information and statistical data on all aspects of elementary and secondary education in Rhode Island, from public schools to students, families and community, and from student learning to information for teachers and administrators.
Subscription Based Resource
The database listed below requires an active URI affiliation. Community members who want to access it can do so from a public computer in the library lobby.
- ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research) This link opens in a new window
- What’s included? The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) maintains and provides access to a vast archive of datasets in social sciences and related areas. Data files for use with statistical software, such as SAS, SPSS, and Stata, may be downloaded.
- What else should I know? While accessible from anywhere, users must initially create an account while on campus, and must access the database from on-campus at least once every six months.
