Statistics

Statistics can be found in several places.

The first place to look for statistics is:

Statistical Abstract of the United States. C 3.134 REF DESK. Updated annually, it has a broad range of statistics on many topics. It covers a number of years because it began publishing in 1879. It is also available online (PDF format only).

See some useful Reference books that have statistics on general as well as social issues; these may be helpful for many topics.

For a broad range of statistics, use the following three sources. Start with the Index volume and then look in the Abstract volume under the number identified (in the Index) for additional information.

ASI, American Statistics Index: A Comprehensive Guide to the Statistical Publications of the U.S. Government. 1974- .
SRI, Statistical Reference Index: A Selective Guide to American Statistical Publication from Sources Other than the U.S. Government. 1980-81, 1988- .
IIS, Index to International Statistics: A Guide to the Statistical Publication of International Intergovernmental Organizations. 1983- .

These three indexes can search these simultaneously in Statistical Masterfile on CD-ROM in the EIC (Electronic Information Center).

Another strategy you might try is to do a W(ORDS) search in SAGE for your topic (a broad aspect of it) and add the word "statistics" to it. For example,

A web resource with good information is Statistics Every Writer Should Know.

How to do Research

Content: Naomi Lederer