Find Data at ICPSR
We make finding data easy
ICPSR has a LOT of data. To find what you’re looking for, use tools like the Bibliography and variable searches, or dive into a thematic collection to get started. Use the search bar to get results at the study level (data), variable level (question or field in the data), and publications related to each data set.
People search for data to meet a variety of needs — a given population, geographic region, time period, or topic. The rich information accompanying ICPSR data (metadata) makes these types of searches possible. Happy exploring!
Ways to find data
About ICPSR’s data
ICPSR is home to raw data about individuals and organizations, primarily, on a wide range of topics representing current and historical research in the social and behavioral sciences. Data are primarily quantitative (numeric), although mixed-method and qualitative work is becoming more common. Most studies – an ICPSR “study” is a collection of one or more datasets – contain rectangular data files rather than summary tables or statistics. That is, ICPSR data require some sort of analysis before they can be used to answer questions. Datasets can be downloaded in a variety of formats for use in popular statistical packages.
Are you a new data user?
Finding data appropriate for your work can be a challenge. That’s why ICPSR is here for you! Here are some tips to help make the process a little less daunting:
- Is it curated? ICPSR’s curated studies include detailed descriptions about the data, such as who conducted the research, how participants or other entities were chosen, and the methods used to gather the data. Each dataset also includes information on the specific questions or variables it covers. This level of detail makes searching more effective and helps you find exactly what you need.
- Why do you need it? Always think about the purpose for which you want the data. Your research question or other reason for needing data will guide you in determining the characteristics of the data that are most important to you. No single study works for every project.
- Filters help! Once you enter search terms, use the filters to narrow your results. You might want to restrict results to data that can be immediately downloaded (public use), are available with online analysis to grab a quick number without downloading, pertain to the past decade or another specific time period, or are among the most recently released in the catalog.
Let the data details guide you. Use the information on the study’s homepage and in the accompanying documentation (such as the codebook or a questionnaire) to further evaluate whether the data you’ve found fits your needs.
Still Need Help?
No worries; we’re here to support your data exploration journey! Connect with your community’s ICPSR Official Representative for personalized support, browse our Help & User Guide, or search our FAQs to help you navigate and use ICPSR data. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to contact ICPSR’s User Support at icpsr-help@umich.edu. We’re here to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth data adventure!