MIT Libraries News » Social Science Data Services http://libraries.mit.edu/news News & updates from the libraries at MIT Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:33:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.1 Share your research data with openICPSR—free for a limited time! http://libraries.mit.edu/news/share-research/15323/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/share-research/15323/#comments Mon, 12 May 2014 20:53:32 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=15323 openICPSR logo

Need to share research data you have collected in the social or behavioral sciences?  Have a funding agency that requires you to make your data publicly available?  Share your data through openICPSR!

A service of the ICPSR data archive, openICPSR is a research data sharing service for the social and behavioral sciences which provides:

  • Distribution through an established network of over 740 research institutions with powerful search tools and search engine indexing, enabling your data to be discovered and cited
  • Reliability of a trusted, sustainable organization with over 50 years’ experience storing research data
  • Review by professional data curators
  • The ability to accept and disseminate sensitive or restricted-use data

In order to make your data publicly available to others, openICPSR charges a deposit fee (different levels of service are available).  Normally this cost would be written into a grant proposal when planning your data management.  But if you have data right now to share, for a limited time through the end of the calendar year, you can self-deposit your data in openICPSR with no fee!

For more information:

  • For assistance in preparing your data for deposit in ICPSR for free this year, contact data-management@mit.edu.
  • For more information on all your options for depositing data with ICPSR, including professional data curation, contact deposit@icpsr.umich.edu.
  • Working on other issues related to data management or sharing?  Looking for a way to share data from other disciplines?  We can help!  Find out more about the Libraries’ data management services.
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Cite your data sources! http://libraries.mit.edu/news/sources-2/14912/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/sources-2/14912/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:52:14 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=14912 citation needed sign    data

You’re familiar with the importance of citing the literature that you use in your paper.  But did you know that it’s equally important to cite the sources of the data that you use?

Authors don’t always rigorously cite their data sources—have you ever had a hard time finding the data underlying a publication?—but citing data is equally important in order to:

  • Give the data producer appropriate credit
  • Enable readers of your work to access the data, for their own use and to replicate your results
  • Fulfill publisher requirements

Need guidance and examples?  See the Libraries guide to citing data.  For help in citing data—or in identifying sources of data behind publications—contact Katherine McNeill, Social Science Data Services Librarian, mcneillh@mit.edu.

Want to know more about improved standards and practices in the field for data citation?  See:

Image credits: futureatlas.com [CC-BY-2.0], infocux Technologies [CC-BY-NC-2.0]

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Learn About Socio-economic Data at the ACS Data Users Conference! http://libraries.mit.edu/news/learn-about/14092/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/learn-about/14092/#comments Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:06:50 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=14092 ACS logo

Use data from the American Community Survey (ACS), which measures social and economic trends in the U.S.?  Learn how to optimize your work by attending the inaugural ACS Data Users Conference!

Held May 29-30, 2014 in Washington, D.C., the program includes presentations by ACS data users, top Census Bureau staff, and a lunch presentation by John H. Thompson, director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Space is limited, register now!

Can’t attend the conference but want to be part of the community?  Join the ACS Data Users Group.

Want to learn more about the ACS or other population data from the Census Bureau?  Check out the Libraries’ guide to Census and Demographic Data.

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Learn quantitative methods at ICPSR this summer–registration opens today! http://libraries.mit.edu/news/learn-quantitative-4/13776/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/learn-quantitative-4/13776/#comments Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:11:02 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13776

Need to expand your skills in statistical methods and quantitative analysis? Attend the ICPSR Summer Program! Each year, ICPSR provides a comprehensive, integrated program of studies in research design, statistics, data analysis, and social science methodology. Registration is now open for the 2014 session.  Note: MIT attendees can register at a discount and scholarships are available.

For a listing of course offerings and application information, see the ICPSR Summer Program web site.  Courses this year include:

Note that while most courses are held at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, some are held in nearby Amherst, MA or New York, NY.

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And don’t forget ICPSR as a source of quantitative data on a range of topics: from markets, election statistics, health, education, international relations, social attitudes and behavior, and more!  Recently added datasets include:

In other news, attend an upcoming Webinar: Resources for Health Research from ICPSR.

For further information, contact Katherine McNeill, Social Science Data Services Librarian, at mcneillh@mit.edu.

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New and improved services you’ll <3 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/improved-services-youll/13613/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/improved-services-youll/13613/#comments Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:45:05 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13613 Heart made from book pagesWelcome back! While you were on winter break, the Libraries were working on some improvements we think you’ll like (possibly even love).

  • Extended borrowing periods Yes, you can keep books out longer! You asked, and we doubled the amount of time you can borrow library materials. 60 days for most MIT items, with up to 5 renewals.

If you like these services, let us know! Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook.

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New guides to Social Science Data Services and Census and demographic data http://libraries.mit.edu/news/guides-social-science/13550/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/guides-social-science/13550/#comments Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:22:16 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13550 CensusLogo-white       govslider_hdwk_acs_video      ICPSR logo

Looking for data for a research project?  Need to do quantitative analysis of social science topics?  Interested in understanding the human/social aspect of an engineering question?  Look no further than our new and improved guides to:

1. Social Science Data Services: http://libguides.mit.edu/ssds

Find:

  • Data on subjects across the social sciences, including economics, health, labor, political science, public opinion, and more
  • Micro-level data from data archives and repositories such as ICPSR and the Harvard Dataverse Network
  • Data on countries around the world
  • Guidance on how to use and cite data
  • And more…

2. Census and demographic data: http://libguides.mit.edu/census

Find:

  • Demographic and economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources
  • International census and demographic data about countries worldwide
  • Background and methodology information for understanding Census Bureau Surveys

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Have questions?  Need further help in finding data for a research project?  Contact Katherine McNeill, Social Science Data Services Librarian, at mcneillh@mit.edu.  For help in using data in a GIS, contact GIS Services.

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Access shipping data–free with Import Genius! http://libraries.mit.edu/news/access-shipping/13426/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/access-shipping/13426/#comments Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:42:26 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13426 import

Do you research international trade?  Interested in data on products shipped around the world?  Now MIT has access to Import Genius, a database built from shipping manifests in ports around the U.S. and selected countries. It includes information such as product shipped, vessel, country of origin, consignee, and more. U.S. data goes back to 2006.

First-time users must create an account with their MIT email address (but NOT their Kerberos password; use a different one).

To access Import Genius, free for MIT, go to https://www.importgenius.com/edu/mit and sign up for an account.

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IAP 2014: Data Tools and File Management http://libraries.mit.edu/news/2014-tools-management/13287/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/2014-tools-management/13287/#comments Mon, 09 Dec 2013 21:14:43 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13287 The MIT Libraries is hosting a series of classes on data tools and file management this IAP. Some classes require registration.data

Managing Confidential Data
Wed Jan 15, 10:00am-1:00pm, 66-148
Contact: Randi Shapiro, shapiror@mit.edu

Public Opinion Data Resources
Thu Jan 16, 11:00am-12:00pm, 14N-132
Contact: Katherine McNeill, mcneillh@mit.edu

Finding Research Datasets
Thu Jan 23, 9:30am-11:00am, 14N-132
Contact: Katherine McNeill, mcneillh@mit.edu

For a complete list of IAP classes offered by the Libraries, please see our Calendar of Events.

 

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Webinar: Measure change over time with the American Community Survey http://libraries.mit.edu/news/webinar-measure/13254/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/webinar-measure/13254/#comments Fri, 06 Dec 2013 14:49:08 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13254 acs

Want to research change over time in social and economic trends for states and local areas across the U.S.?  Use the American Community Survey!

American Community Survey data are released in annual or multiyear estimates (depending upon geographic area) and measure citizens’ experiences in a wide range of social and economic issues.  However, assessing trends over time can be challenging when working with ACS multiyear estimates, so get tips in an upcoming Census webinar: Using the ACS to Measure Trends Over Time.

In this webinar, demographers, planners, and researchers will provide guidance for measuring trends with ACS data.

WHEN: Friday, December 13, 2013, 1–2 p.m. (EST)

Space is limited. Register.

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Use data in your research and win a prize! Gain experience in data analysis via an internship! http://libraries.mit.edu/news/research-prize/13242/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/research-prize/13242/#comments Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:47:15 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13242 ICPSR logo

ICPSR Research Paper Competition

Using data from the ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research) data archive for one of your classes?  Submit your paper to the ICPSR Research Paper Competition and get a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize!

ICPSR sponsors the competition to highlight the best research papers using quantitative data from the ICPSR archive.  Special prizes are given for using data in their minority, fertility, or HIV data collections.  Note: Some competitions are limited to undergraduate or master’s students.

Deadline for submission: January 31, 2014.

For details on the competition and for help finding data in the ICPSR archive, see ICPSR’s page on the competition or contact Katherine McNeill, Social Science Data Services Librarian, at mcneillh@mit.edu.

ICPSR Summer Undergraduate Internship Program

ICPSR now is accepting applications for its 2014 summer internship program for undergraduates, an NSF-funded program.

  • Explore a research question from start to finish — including literature searches, data analyses, and creation of a conference-ready poster on your research findings
  • Work in small groups and with faculty mentors
  • Gain experience using statistical programs such as Stata, SAS, and SPSS
  • Stipend given

For an example, see a video of a past ICPSR intern presenting on his research project.

Applications are now being taken through an on-line application form. Two letters of recommendation are required, and can also be sent over the Web.

Deadline for application: January 31, 2014.

For more information, see ICPSR’s page on the program or contact Katherine McNeill, Social Science Data Services Librarian, at mcneillh@mit.edu

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Get help with statistical software packages, statistics, and research technology http://libraries.mit.edu/news/statistical-software-2/13210/ http://libraries.mit.edu/news/statistical-software-2/13210/#comments Mon, 02 Dec 2013 15:50:03 +0000 http://libraries.mit.edu/news/?p=13210 Rlogo       stata        SAS_logo

Do you use statistical software packages, such as R, Stata, SAS, or SPSS?  Want to be more effective with statistical analysis, research technology, or social science research methods? No need to struggle with these issues on your own!

MIT has two new resources that can help:

1. Guide to Statistical Software

  • Learn how to access statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, SAS) at MIT
  • Find resources for learning and using these software packages

2. Research Technology Consulting

This service is available to help you individually with:

  • Learning or troubleshooting statistical software packages such as R, Stata, or SAS
  • Data analysis support and programming advice
  • Statistical methodology questions
  • For social science research projects:
    • Research project planning and guidance
    • Use of research technology (e.g., screen scraping, social network analysis, and more)

To make an appointment or ask for tips on a project:

This service, based at Harvard, is provided by the Harvard-MIT Data Center and available to the MIT community as a pilot.

Learn Statistical Software in Workshops
In addition, attend one of the upcoming workshops on statistical software.

The Harvard-MIT Data Center also provides: a data repository, research computing environment, and a specialized computer lab.

For questions about these services, contact Jennie Murack, Statistics Specialist, or Katherine McNeill, Social Science Data Services Librarian.

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