CNX 100 - Information Literacy Guide

Data literacy can be defined as an individual's ability to read, understand, and use data. 

Data is everywhere, which is why it is important to be data literate. Data can be quantitative (in the form of numbers) or qualitative (in the form of words).  

Regardless of the discipline you study, you are likely to encounter data and statistics, which can be defined as "the science of collecting, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting data." As you learn more about your specific field, you will start to see how data and statistics can be utilized to explain information. 

Evaluating data and statistics is similar to assessing other information sources. Just as you ask questions of a text-based source to determine whether or not to use it, you must ask questions of data and statistics. 

First, consider where you found the data or statistic. Is the source reputable? Have they published similar information in the past that would suggest expertise of the topic? 

Next, evaluate the data or statistic itself. How was the data collected? Is the information up-to-date? Who collected the data or created the statistic? What was their purpose in collecting the data? Is there detectable bias? If so, does the bias influence the results in a way that would suggest they are not useful or telling the whole story? Is there any additional information you need to understand the data or statistic? For example, the number of deaths from a particular cause in a year may seem like a lot until you compare it to the total number of deaths. Is the data being presented in a way that is misleading, such as starting at pre-determined number rather than zero?