January 2006--Spotlight on ICPSR

The Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research is the world’s largest archive of digital social science data.  Through Marquette's membership, our community of users has access (free of charge) to over 450,000 data and documentation files from over 5,700 studies in diverse subjects, including sociology, demography, criminal justice, health and aging, education, political science, history, economics, and many other fields.  ICPSR reports that the among the most frequently downloaded studies last year included the 2000 Census of Population and Housing; CrimeStatIII, United States Congressional Roll Call Voting Records; United States Historical Elections Returns 1824-1968; General Social Surveys 1972-2002; and National Election Pool General Election Exit Polls, 2004.  ICPSR data accessed by Marquette users has increased more than ten-fold in the past three years, to over 1800 datasets in 2003-04 and 650 in 2004-05.

Established in 1962 as a unit within the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, ICPSR now has over 500 member institutions. Through ICPSR Direct, users at member institutions are able to download files directly to the desktop, whether on campus or at home.

ICPSR is divided into seven areas:

1. National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging
2. Child Care and Early Education Research Connections
3. Data Sharing for Demographic Research
4. National Archive of Criminal Justice Data
5. Health and Medical Care Archive
6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive
7. International Archive of Education Data

Value-added data resources include:

• Analysis-ready data in multiple software formats
• Bibliography of data-related literature, over 37,000 citations
• Social science variables database
• Subject thesaurus, allowing users to locate datasets based on subject terms
• Data use tutorial, a helpful introduction on how to find, download, and analyze data
• Free user support
• Special topic archives--externally-funded data archived in specific subject areas.

How do I get started?

We recommend that new users take a look at the data use tutorial, then survey the subject overview to ascertain whether ICPSR maintains data of interest.

How do I identify available data?

ICPSR offers several methods for finding data within their archive--you may search by title, study number, subject terms, and investigator.  It is also possible to browse by thematic categories.  The thesaurus allows location of datasets based on subject terms, including personal and geographic names.  The ICPSR site also posts answers to frequently asked questions about searching for data.

How does downloading work?

When retrieving data, users will be asked to verify their Marquette status.  Most datasets and documentation can be downloaded for research and personal use.  Most data files are ASCII format, but many also contain data definition statements for specific programs (SPSS, SAS, etc.)  Selected data collections can utilize the online Data Analysis System, offered by ICPSR, which allows for study of the data on the Web with no other software necessary. All ICPSR files can also be imported into a statistical software program for further examination.  Note that in downloading data from ICPSR, you agree not to share the data with anyone not authorized to receive it, and to the terms of the Responsible Use Statement.

What If I need more help?

Downloading problems should be reported to Marquette's ICPSR representative, Keven Riggle at (414) 288-3253 or keven.riggle@marquette.edu.  Students or faculty who wish personalized assistance or training, may request a Research Consultation.