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POLI 788: Methods, Research Skills, and Data usage in Social Science: Data & statistics

Finding Data - Strategies

  • Define the specific elements of your question:  time, geography and subject matter.
  • Consider what organizations might pay for data collection on your topic.
    • government (international, national, state, local...)
    • trade associations
    • non-profits
    • academe (directly from a researcher or indirectly from a repository)
  • Read the literature for possible sources, but beware that sources noted in articles may not be openly available.
  • Will data be costly in terms of money or time to obtain?  Do you have the requisite knowledge to manipulate it?
  • Cite your data to make them easier for others to find.  (The guide provides guidelines for how to format data citations.)

Making Data Meaningful (UN Economic Commission for Europe)

Eurostat

Eurostat produces data for EU policy development in regional development, economic union, agriculture and many other areas, and promotes harmonization of member state statistics. See also: Eurostat statistics explained - your guide to European Statistics.

The European Statistical System

European Economic Indicators

Data Links

Text Analysis Sources

Library Data Services

Library Data Services cater to researchers interested in working with data, mapping, texts, visualization, and technology. Many of these services are available online. Davis Library Data Services, located on the second floor of Davis Library, offers:

  • A computing lab with specialized software for GIS and data visualization & analysis.
  • Walk-in assistance provided by knowledgeable student consultants during set hours
  • Consultations with specialists for more in-depth inquiries (by appointment).
  • Spaces for collaboration and presentation, complete with white boards and external displays.
  • Technology workshops focused on working with data (manipulation, visualization, mapping).

The Odum Institute for Research in Social Science

The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR)