Ask yourself questions about the type of data you are looking for.
Once you have determined the type of data you need, consider where this data may be found - who might collect this data?
If you are interested in using somebody else's data set, make sure that you either have permission or that you are using a data set from an open access website.
Remember...
Supplies statistical data series created from more than 400,000 government and non-government datasets viewable in tables, charts, maps, and graphs. Covers a wide range of business, societal and scientific topics including agriculture, arts, crime, employment and labor, defense, economy, education, energy, environment, geography, government finances, health, households and housing, immigration, politics, population, religion, social services, and transportation. Formerly known as Data Planet.
Open access refers to online research that is freely accessible to everyone. For finding data, check out any of these open access resources listed below: