Statistics, data and figures are useful to back up ideas, opinions and provide evidence.
Statistics are a type of information generally presented in numbers.
Statistics can be presented in the body of your text:
74% of the world's population has access to clean drinking water (World Health Organization, 2022).
Statistics can also be represented graphically, such as in a table or chart:
(Scottish Government, 2022, p.41)
You must cite and reference any statistics the same as with any other information source.
Scottish Government (2022) The Scottish Health Survey: 2021 edition. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2021-volume-1-main-report/ (Accessed: 11 November 2022).
World Health Organization (2022) World Health Statistics 2022. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240051157 (Accessed: 11 November 2022).
You can use statistics to:
Statistics are published in a wide variety of places. Some organisations, such as the Office for National Statistics, collate statistics and publish them in reports. Other statistics are available in organisational reports and publications.
Statistics can often be misrepresented or used without context in the media. If you are using a source that has quoted a statistic from somewhere else, you should always find the original source of the statistic.
If you are unsure who is publishing statistics on your topic, you can do a Google search to see what is out there. For example, if you Google 'climate change statistics Scotland', you will find a report from the Scottish Government about greenhouse gas emissions.
It is very important to evaluate the source of any statistics you find to judge whether they are credible and suitable for your academic assignments.
