Don’t fear the data: Statistics in Information Literacy Instruction

Don’t Fear the Data

Lynda KellamMay 13, 2014The Innovative Library Classroom

John Snow’s Cholera Map

Excerpt from: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/snow/snowmap1_1854_lge.htm

Write – Pair – Share• Do you use numeric sources (like SimplyMap or

American FactFinder) in your library instruction? If so, what sources have you used?

• What challenges have you faced in using numeric sources in library instruction?

• Do you have a success story regarding numeric sources in reference or instruction?

Statistical Literacy• Generally is the ability to interpret or evaluate

statistics and numbers in evidence (Schield, 2004)

• Continuum of skills from basic descriptive statistics to more advanced statistical analysis

• Basic descriptive statisticso Number of unemployed womeno Percentage of students favor gun controlo Gross domestic product

• Numbers are information

Data are fun!• Gentrification in neighborhoods around UNCG

Data in ACRL Information Literacy Competency

Standards• 1.2c – Identifies the value and differences of

potential resources in a variety of formats

• 1.2f – Realizes that information might need to be constructed with raw data from primary sources

• 2.3d – Uses surveys and other forms of inquiry to retrieve primary information

Data in ACRL Information Literacy Competency

Standards• 3.1b – Selects data accurately

• 3.4e – Determines probably accuracy by questioning the source of the data, etc

• 5.2e – Legally obtains, stores, and disseminates data

Sample Student Learning Outcomes

• UNCG’s SLOs

• Students will be able to evaluate statistics found in the popular press according to authority, audience, content, coverage, currency, and purpose.

• Students will be able to identify at least one source of reliable public opinion statistics.

Sample Activity 1• USA Today Snapshots

Just for Fun• Stephen Colbert’s USA Today infographic sells

out: o http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/883h13/usa-today-infographic-sel

ls-out

Sample Activity 2• Pew Research Center’s Topics

Sample Activity 2

Global Views on Morality: http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/04/15/global-morality/

Brainstorming!• Think about one of your classes from

this past semester and consider these questions:o What numeric sources are available at your

institution that would be appropriate to that class?

o What student learning objectives would be most relevant?

o What activities could you do to incorporate those numeric sources?

Additional Resources• Gray, A. (2004). Data and statistical literacy for librarians.

IASSIST Quarterly 28(2/3), 24-29.• Kellam, L. & Peter, K. (2011). Numeric data services and

sources for the general reference librarian. Oxford: Chandos Publications.

• Partlo, K. (2010). The pedagogical data reference interview. IASSIST Quarterly 33(4): 6-10.

• Peter, K. & Kellam, L. (2013). Data on the run: Data and statistical sources for reference and instruction. http://libguides.usc.edu/dataontherun

• Peter, K. & Kellam, L. (2013). Statistics & the single girl: Incorporating statistical literacy into information literacy instruction. LOEX Quarterly 40(1): 2-3, 10.

• Schield, M. (2004). Information literacy, statistical literacy, and data literacy. IASSIST Quarterly 28(2/3), 6-11.

Don’t Fear the DataQuestions? Comments?

Lynda Kellamlmkellam@uncg.edu