Deciding whether you need raw data or statistics can determine where you start searching for sources of data, and help you evaluate whether you have found suitable data for your research. Consider answering these questions:
1. Do you need a fact/s, or a number?
2. Do you need to do analysis for your work?
If you need facts and numbers it is likely you will need statistics. If you need to do analysis to generate insights for your work, it is likely you will need data. This will help you choose the right source of data for your research.
If it is data that you need check the Research Data Guide.