Data literacy is the ability to locate statistics and data, and implies an understanding of data analysis.
Statistical literacy is the ability to understand and contextualize statistics and data.
You need both data literacy and statistical literacy to find, evaluate, understand, and apply statistics and data.
WHAT?
What are you looking to find out? (For example, availability of affordable and clean energy)
Are you looking for data about individuals, countries, states, institutions, etc? (For example, comparing between countries or comparing regions/states of the same country)
What characteristics are you interested in? (For example, household income levels, climate information, pollution information, etc)
WHEN?
What’s the date range you’re interested in?
How often is the information collected?
What is the periodicity for collection (annually, quarterly, etc)?
WHERE?
What geographic areas are you interested in?
If your first idea isn’t available, what are some other possibilities?
WHO?
What organization (government agency or other) would have a need for this information?
What organization (government agency or other) would want to collect this information?
What is the organization’s interest in collecting the data?
HOW?
Are you interested in all sorts of data or just specific types, like survey or longitudinal studies?
Will you be able to get access to the data you want? (Is it publicly and freely available?)
Source: Peter, K. & Kellam, L. (2011). Numeric data services and sources for the general reference librarian. Chandos Publishing.
Source
Authority
Objectivity & Purpose
Currency
Collection Methods & Completeness
Consistency / Verification
Source: Gould Library. (2020). Data, datasets, and statistical resources research guide. Carleton College. gouldguides.carleton.edu/c.php?g=146834&p=964943