Secondary Sources - Official Statistics

Question 1

What are official statistics

Answer 1

Official statistics are quantitative data gathered by the government or other agencies such as corporations, charities or religions. They are collected in many different ways including registration or from surveys

Question 2

Example of research using official stats

Answer 2

Durkheim research on suicide - used official statistics on suicide rates and deaths across different countries and social groups

Question 3

Strengths of use of statistics

Answer 3

• cost and time efficient
• allows comparison between groups over time
• fewer ethical issues
• representative sample
• credible - statistics collected in standardised way so data should be valid and trusted

Question 4

Weaknesses of use of statistics

Answer 4

• not fit for purpose
• problems with definitions
• manipulation of government data
• inaccuracy
• lacks validity