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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 Resources
Most of these online resources are produced by psychology associations and organizations that collect, compile, analyze and publish for general use. The sites are user-friendly.
- American Psychological AssociationAPA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. This site covers all aspects of psychology, including a career center.
- Psych CentralA multi-award-winning gateway site covering all manner of psychology information resources, including careers and conventions. If you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t exist.
- Psych WebA gateway psych site with an abundance of resources for students and teachers, including APA style resources, online psychology peer-reviewed journals and much more.
- PsychiatryOnlineSemantic indexing of psychiatric terms makes this website a very useful resource and one that is easy to use.
- Statistical Abstract of the U.S. (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
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- What’s included? The authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States.
- What dates are covered? 1878 - Present.
Demographic Data
If you're not sure exactly what you need, the following resources are great starting points for locating data and statistics on a range of US-focused topics.
- Statistical Abstract of the U.S. (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
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- What’s included? The authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States.
- What dates are covered? 1878 - Present.
- U.S. CensusA great source for data on diverse topics from education to employment to health. You'll also find links on the Census website to other official statistical resources, both domestic and international.
- Data.govAn open data site from the U.S. government offering a single access point to data from diverse government agencies.
- Google Public Data Explorer
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This tool creates visual representations of public data from US, European, and other international sources. For more information, click on the "Datasets" link on the left side of the main page. - Pew Research CenterA nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and other data collection on a diversity of topics.
