Data VS. Statistics
Data is the raw information from which statistics are created. It is often the in the form of datasets and machine readable files.
Statistics are a summary of the data. They are often in the form of tables, charts, and graphs.
Key Resources
- ProQuest Statistical Insight This link opens in a new windowStatistical information produced by
- U.S. Federal agencies
- States
- Private organizations
- Major intergovernmental organizations. - Roper Center For Public Opinion Research This link opens in a new windowOpinion poll data from 1935 to the present, covering social issues, politics, pop culture, international affairs, science, the environment, and much more.
When available, results charts, demographic crosstabs and full datasets are provided for immediate download. Personal registration needed in order to access datasets. - Statista This link opens in a new windowstatistics and studies gathered by:
- market researchers
- trade organizations
- scientific publications
- government sources
Useful software and tools
- Adobe PDF to Excel Converter (free)If you find a PDF with tables that you'd like to use, you may use this free converter to convert PDFs to Excel spreadsheet files. You will need to create an Adobe account or use your Google account to login.
- Northwestern Libraries Available SoftwareAll computers at Northwestern Libraries have a standard set of up-to-date software, including several options for data visualizations.
- Northwestern IT Available SoftwareGet Microsoft Office and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite through Northwestern IT. Depending on the program you want to use, discounted charges may apply.
- Software for Data AnalysisA guide to software for data analysis.
Specific Data Table Compilations
- ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the United States2013-present, NU affiliated users only. The ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the United States is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic conditions of the United States.
- Historical Statistics of the United StatesComprehensive survey and tabulation of historical statistics from government agencies and other sources, covering all aspects of US population and economy. View tables or download as Excel files.
- International Historical Statistics: 1750-2010Provides key economic and social indicators for the last 260 years; includes volumes for Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, the Americas.
- UNdataStatistical time series for countries from around the world covering a wide range of economic and socio-demographic topics.
- FAOSTATFAOSTAT provides free access to food and agriculture data for over 245 countries and territories and covers all FAO regional groupings from 1961 to the most recent year available.
- Unicef DataStatistical information from core UNICEF studies, as well as the data (& datasets) from its supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS); a major source of global development data.
- Corona Virus Critical TrendsFrom the Johns Hopkins Corona Virus Research Center, track how the novel coronavirus is spreading around the globe with up-to-date visuals that give context to the data collected.
- CDC Covid Data TrackerFind maps and charts tracking cases, deaths, and trends of COVID-19 in the United States, updated daily by 8 pm EST
- World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus Disease DashboardVisualizations, tables, and related data available to export.
Social Media Datasets
- Pew Research CenterSign up for a free account to access the raw datasets.
- Tweet ID CatalogTwitter's terms of service don't allow tweet datasets to be published on the web, but they do allow tweet identifier datasets to be shared.
- Social Media Research Foundation"The Social Media Research Foundation is dedicated to foster research on contemporary network society with the help of our social network analysis tool NodeXL Pro."
Your Librarian
Chris Davidson
he / him / his
Contact:
2 North - Core Library
University Library
847.491.4090
Website
University Library
847.491.4090
Subjects: Journalism