Jung-Kellogg Learning Center: Sociology: Data, Statistics, &amp; Websites

Evaluating Websites

Asking these questions will help you to determine whether the resources you find are credible and reliable.

Who created the page? Does the person or organization have the appropriate credentials?
Why was this site created? What is the purpose of the site? For example, is it sponsored by a company that has a financial interest in the topic?
When was the page created and/or last updated? How current is the information?
Does the author cite trustworthy sources? How does the author support their argument?
How does this site compare to resources your professor recommends or assigns?

Census Data
Provides tables and maps of all census geographies down to the block level.
U.S. Census Bureau
It serves as the leading source of data about the nation's people and economy.

Data.gov
A portal for government data, primarily federal, but also state and local
Data | The World Bank
A huge collection of data from the World Bank, from agriculture to urban development. Click the Data Catalog to see a list of datasets, tables, and topics.
Historical Statistics of the United States
CIA World FactBook
Most tables have data download links

European Social Survey
Academically-driven social survey designed to chart and explain the interaction between Europe's changing institutions and the attitudes, beliefs and behavior patterns of its diverse populations.
Homelessness Research Center
Focuses on people affected by homelessness who have mental health conditions, substance use issues, and histories of trauma.
Understanding the World Today
Reports describing global social, demographic and political changes over the last several decades
Online Dictionary of Sociology
This searchable dictionary has 1000 entries covering the topics of sociology, criminology, political science and women's studies. Produced by Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada.
General Sociology Terms and Concepts
List of entries relating to the sociology field from the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia/ InfoPlease
Sociology Timeline from 1600
A chronological depiction of the lives and works of the sociologists. Includes some links to further biographical information and the full texts of many historic publications.

Global Health Observatory
It provides critical data and analysis for key health themes, as well as direct access to the full database. The GHO presents data from all WHO programs and provides links to supporting information."
Statistics about the US
Provides access to the statistics found in the publications of more than 70 United States federal government agencies. Provides direct links to federal agency statistical publications in both full-text and tabular format."
United Nations Statistics Division: Demographics & Statistics
The Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. They compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems.
Population Reference Bureau
US Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
The Bureau provides the statistics that are critical to federal, state, and local policymakers in combating crime to ensure that justice is both efficient and evenhanded.