Your Health Sciences Librarians
Elaina Vitale
Research and Education Librarian, Clinical Engagement Lead
Heather Blunt
Research and Education Librarian, Public Health Lead
Pamela Bagley
Research and Education Librarian, Systematic Review Lead
Tiffany Garrett
Associate Director for Health Sciences and Biomedical Libraries
Health Sciences & Biomedical Libraries
Definitions
As you're getting started, these descriptions may be helpful.
Data:
- "Raw" numbers
- Counts of individual events or services
- Collected at local, state, national or international level
Data set:
- Data collected and arranged logically according to previously defined criteria
- Major unit of data storage and retrieval
- May or may not represent the entire population
Statistics:
- Data already analyzed/summarized
- Often presented as text, figures, graphs or maps
Additional Statistical Terms:
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Internet Glossary of Statistical TermsFree but requires flash; this is not an endorsement of the class.
Secondary Data Analysis
Once you've found your datasets, consult this introductory guide to get started with your secondary analysis.
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Introductory Guide to Secondary Dataset Analysis An introductory guide to conducting high-value secondary dataset analysis with links to resources. Source: Smith, et al., "Conducting high-value secondary dataset analysis: An introductory guide and resources", Journal of General Internal Medicine, 26(8):920-9, August 2011
National Library of Medicine Health Statistics course
Interested in learning more about how to find and use health statistics? The National Library of Medicine provides a free comprehensive online course.
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NLM Health Statistics Course A course divided into two parts (1) About Health Statistics describes sources and how they are created and (2) Finding Health Statistics presents search strategies. Emphasizes four areas of health statistics: Conditions (diseases), Care, Consequences (of health conditions, such as unemployment), and Correlates (determinants of health). Source: National Library of Medicine