What are statistics?
Why use statistics?
Before using statistics it is important that they are evaluated. You need to consider a few basic issues:
Reliability - are the statistics from a reliable authoritative source such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics? If the figures are quoted in a newspaper, try and find the original source to verify the information. Be aware that many authors may only quote a selection of statistics, which may give a bias impression.
Date - do the statistics cover the period for which the data is needed? Always check the currency of the figures, or if you are after historical statistics, check that the figures cover the time period that you require.
Appropriate - do the figures contain enough detail, or perhaps too much for your purpose?