Social Science Data Resources: Getting started

In this subject guide, you will find resources containing or connecting you to one or both of these forms of commonly sought numeric information in the social sciences:

Data:

Data is collected as part of a social science study – you can formulate questions and get answers by selecting variables of interest and analyzing them.  At the most granular level, directly as collected during a study, also called microdata. For statistical analysis, you typically use software such as SPSS, Stata, SAS, or Excel. 

This form of information is meant to be used as input for a computer program, not for direct understanding through reading/viewing. 

If you need help with choosing appropriate statistical analysis methods, or using statistical analysis software, with data, please contact the StatLab.

Statistics:

"Statistics" refers to published results in form of tables, charts, maps, etc. – in effect, the answers to someone else’s formulated questions of a statistical nature. This form of information is generally delivered for your direct reading.

Statistics in electronic format, with a suitable layout for importing into a statistical analysis program, and enough records, can in turn become aggregate data that can be analyzed.

These guides are also likely to contain information that will lead you to data or statistical resources in specific subject areas, and are also a gateway to other subject librarians who can help you with specific requests.