The method
- Find the original publication rather than a shared screenshot. Record the series title, producer and link to any available methodological explanation.
- Note frequency, unit, territory and scope. Distinguish a stock from a change and the observation period from publication date; check whether values were revised.
- Compare values defined in the same way. If scopes differ, explain that difference in your commentary instead of immediately concluding that something rose or fell.
Fictional worked example
A fictional table shows 120 units in January and 132 in February. The change is 10% if both numbers cover the same set. If February adds a category, the arithmetic remains possible but may no longer describe change within a constant scope.
The record to keep
Keep series title, both values, their periods, unit, scope and consulted version. Add the formula if you calculate a result.
Your record, step by step
For your own situation, record the following information. Check a field when it is documented; missing information still needs verification. The boxes are a reminder within this page.
This checklist does not validate your project. No entries are sent or saved.
Entirely fictional example: an index for 2023 is recorded on two dates. This is neither an actual Eurostat series nor a change between 2023 and 2024.
| Publication state | Value for 2023 | Correct interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Accessed in May | 101 | First recorded value |
| Accessed in October | 103 | Revised value for the same period |
| Difference between records | +2 index points | Revision; does not measure annual growth |
| Record to keep | Code, unit, area, dates | Read the dataset’s revision metadata |
What this method can establish
An aggregate statistic does not describe every individual’s circumstances. This reading method provides no investment, credit or insurance recommendation.
Supporting documentation
These references support the method. Each source shows its language and consultation date; an available directory record explains its purpose.
- Banque de France — méthodologies statistiques FR ↗
Documentation consulted on · Resource record : Banque de France - Eurostat — Data revision policy EN ↗
Documentation consulted on
An editorial method, a fictional example and references for further reading.