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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!

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