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Mastering Research Skills: A Guide for Data Acquisition and Analysis

This guide explores the step-by-step process of defining user needs, discovering data, obtaining information, and utilizing resources for effective research. Learn how to interpret and manipulate data for insightful analysis and citation.

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Mastering Research Skills: A Guide for Data Acquisition and Analysis

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  1. Reference MysteriesPart I Elizabeth Hamilton Atlantic DLI Training April 20, 2006

  2. Reference Desk Survival Skills It all depends on the question....

  3. Reference Process (simplified) • Define the topic: What does the user need? • Does the data exist? What are the appropriate discovery tools? • How do you get the data? • And how do you use the data/resources?

  4. 1. User Needs: Define the topic • Statistics or data? • Nature of the user (shadling or PhD? time frame? Skills? DLI community?) • Type of file: time series, microdata, spatial data, aggregate statistics

  5. User Needs: Statistics/data flowchart If they want numbers… Use yes Data file ... to do analysis ... to put in a report yes Use source yes Print/e-source source available? no yes Data file Data available? * In this case, assume an authorized user under DLI license

  6. 1. User Needs: Define the topic • Define/refine concepts involved in topic • Start with major issue & target population • Focus on unit of analysis • Add geographical and/or time period limitations to focus the search--cautiously This is an iterative approach; you will refine and redefine as you discover new information

  7. 2. Does the Data Exist? • Check the literature! • Use the language of stats and data (“secondary analysis”, “empirical”)and read table footnotes • Whose responsibility is this? • Who is interested in tracking or studying the issue? Allows you to decide on appropriate search tools

  8. 2. Does the Data Exist? • Subject searching: • UseSTC Online Catalogue, ICPSR topic search, ESTAT by subject, e/print guides • Variable Searching: • IDLS, UT, ICPSR, Sherlocke, QWIFS… • Use specialty databases: • Census, CANSIM, Trade

  9. 3. Getting the Data • The DLI Collection • Web/ftp, standard data products and release dates; other routes (remote submission/custom/RDC) • Access to non-DLI data files • Gallop, US GSS, ISR • Order/download/deliver data to the user • Local service model

  10. 4. Using the Data • Data interpretation: (Understanding variable definitions, missing variables, using weights, surveys with multiple files) • Data manipulation (Subsetting, linking files, regressions and understanding user needs) • Data citation

  11. Your Task? In assigned groups, take the one question provided to your group and brainstorm the questions asked. One person will be the recorder Select one (1) additional question from those posted around the wall and do it as a group.

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