Health Statistics

1. Take the time to clearly identify your goals / needs and define your topic

   1. Identify the who - what - when - where - why for needing statistical data
   2. Review vocabulary to be used in searching articles / statistical reports. Explore the use of synonyms.
      1. For definitions, etc. check out the Dictionaries & Manuals tab.
   3. Determine potential limit / filter parameters.

2. Search library article databases, such as Health Source: Nursing / Academic Edition and Academic Search Elite (see the complete database list here)

   1. Explore subject headings and subdivisions used by the database
      1. Example: from Health Source: Nursing / Academic Edition – myocardial infarction
      2. Example: from PubMed - lung neoplasms / epidemiology (See MeSH Subdivisions Used to Search Halth Statistics)

3. Explore the ANU Health Statistics subject guide for links to other resources

   1. There are a couple of ways to proceed with your search after exploring the library’s article databases:
      1. Check the U.S. Government Websites page in the Agencies & Organizations tab.
      2. Check the Statistical Finding Aids page for links to U.S. And International Resources
         1. In general, if you are unfamiliar with a website, read its description and explore a tutorial, if available.
      3. Consider a subject keyword search using an Advanced Google Search and limit to .gov and/or .org URL domain for results.

4. Assess the resources you find and revise your search as needed

   1. Do the statistics match your goals and needs?
   2. Evaluate the quality of the statistics:
      1. What kind of methodology was used to collect, compile, report, and present the data?
      2. Are any apparent statistical errors within reasonable, acceptable limits?
   3. Revise your search strategy and search additional resources, as needed. 

Data sets and statistical graphics contain unique elements not specifically addressed by most citation styles. Review the following resources to learn how to use stats. in brief "in-text" citations within the body of your paper and how to create full citations for the paper's bibliography.