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Social Sciences Data: ICPSR and More

This guide provides information about locating datasets for use in the social sciences (with a bit about data in the humanities and big data in STEM fields). It also has resources on using datasets (including in teaching) and associated issues.

ICPSR Data

ICPSR (The Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research) is a major source of social science datasets for Washington State University faculty, students and staff. ICPSR maintains and provides access to a vast archive of social science data for research and instruction. You can download data and documentation directly from ICPSR to any computer on all of the WSU campuses; you can also download from off-campus once you have created an ICPSR account (the account needs to be logged in at least once every six months from a campus location. Contact Lorena (see below or on the right side of this page) if this is an issue).

Because of licensing restrictions certain categories of data held or made available by ICPSR are only available to current WSU students, faculty, or staff. Patrons wishing to gain access to the datafiles and documentation available at WSU or needing assistance with downloading information from ICPSR should contact Lorena O'English at oenglish@wsu.edu.

Note: You will need to create an ICPSR MyData account to download many (but not all) ICPSR files - if you are off-campus, please contact Lorena O'English at oenglish@wsu.edu. You will need to log in with your ICPSR account at least once every six months from a WSU campus computer to keep your account validated for off-campus downloads - more info on your ICPSR account (if this is a problem, contact Lorena at oenglish@wsu.edu).

Data files may be available in multiple formats. Some may require  special Set-Up files to be read into your specific statistical software tool (i.e. converting file formats from tab delimited to Stata). Useful information is available in the Help FAQ under Analyse. You will be able to filter by data format from the results page of each search.

Update 2: ICPSR Access Tips

Quick Tips 

Having trouble downloading data or accessing other ICPSR resources? Try these things first (instructions below):
  • Open a new private or "incognito" browser window and copy/paste this address into the search bar: https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/. Retry your login. 
  • Reset your password
  • Connect to your institution's VPN, if available

Resetting Your Password

Just need a quick password reset? Visit the Password Reset Request page, or email ICPSR Web Support at icpsr-websupport@umich.edu.

 

Email Validation 

Typically, ICPSR will automatically recognize your institution and validate your account. If you're trying to download data and receive an unexpected alert that you're not from a member institution, even though you are, your account may need to be validated. We can update this manually.

To request a validation, send an email to icpsr-help@umich.edu. Include your name, your institutional email address, and the name of your institution. 
 

VPN

Does your institution use a VPN (Virtual Private Network internet connection)? Each VPN is configured differently, but for most institutions, you can use your VPN to access your ICPSR account.
  1. Log into your VPN using the instructions provided by your institution 
  2. Open a browser window and navigate to icpsr.umich.edu
  3. Click "log in" on the top right
Your library or IT team may have additional information available, please contact them for VPN assistance. 
 

Other FAQs

More help is available! Take a look at our frequently asked questions page for, "What do I do if I'm having trouble logging in with my MyData Account? What about changing my email address or password?"
Additional support is available, visit Get Help with Data.
 

Still on campus? Sign in now for future remote access

Log in to ICPSR for continuing remote access
Take a moment now to sign into your MyData account. This will validate you for six months of ICPSR data and resources just in case things change. Visit https://icpsr.umich.edu and click "log in" at the top right. NOTE: Lorena can sign you in from the Pullman campus if you are not at a WSU campus.
 

 

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