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Finding Statistics and Data Sets

Find data produced by governments IGOs, NGOs, and the private sector on a wide variety of topics including demographic data on local communities, other countries, public opinion polls, criminal justice, incarceration and jails

Library Contact

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Catherine Morse
she/her
Contact:
Government Information, Law and Political Science Librarian

Clark Library

Hatcher Graduate Library 2 South
734-936-2333

The Reference Guide to Data Sources

Tips for Finding and Using Data

  • When searching for data, think about who would collect this data. Social Scientists? Government?
  • Pay attention to the data sources used in books and articles from your literature review.
    • Did the authors deposit their research data?  
    • Even if they don't share their research data authors should cite the data they used, make use of those citations
  • When you find a relevant data set, learn as much as you can about it.
    • Read the codebook
    • Read publications that used that data set and note how those researchers used the data
  • CSCAR supports researchers doing statistical analysis. They offer workshops and consultations that are available to undergraduates participating in faculty-directed research
  • The Clark Library can help you with data visualization and mapping tools
  • Cite the data set!

Finding Census Data

Learn more about census data from the U.S. Census and Demographic Information Research Guide

To search by address and identify tract numbers use the Census Geocoder

Look up Census terminology in the Census Glossary

Statista-For current statistics

Sage Data

MiSchool Data--For Data on Schools in Michigan

Sage Data--For creating time series

The United States government produces a large amount of data.  A list of agencies that compile statistics can be found here

Health Data for Local Communities

ProQuest Statistical Insight--For Finding Statistics Buried in Publications