Before you include stats or a data set in your research project consider the following:
- Who collected and published the statistics? What are their credentials?
- What data or statistics is being reported? What populations are included?
- Is the information current enough?
(NOTE: There is often a delay between data collection and data reporting because analysis takes time.)
- Why was the information collected? Who are the intended users? Was it collected as part of the organization's mission? for advocacy? for business purposes? (i.e. trying to sell a product.)
- How were the statistics collected? Were any samplings or surveys done scientifically?
