Evaluating Statistics Checklist
Statistics and numbers can be manipulated to push an author's point of view. Evaluation is important.
Consider:
- Who collected and published the statistics? What are their credentials?
- What data or statistics are being reported? What populations are included?
- Is the information current? There is often a time delay between data collection and data reporting because of time needed for the analysis.
- Why was the information collected? Who are the intended users? What it collected solely to educate, to persuade, to sell a product?
- Can you find the original data source from which the statistics were created? Do the statistics looks accurate based on the data? If it was a survey, can you read the survey questions?
