LibGuides: SOC 322: Methods of Sociological Research: Finding Data

Finding Data

Locating usable data for your research or analysis can sometimes be difficult. The library subscribes to a couple of databases that may be useful. Many government websites have a reportable data as well.

Library Databases - Data:

ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research) This link opens in a new window
Digital files of social science research data for a wide range of subjects. This database provides the raw numerical data for secondary analysis.
Note: Please first create a personal My Data account using your WCU e-mail.
(Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research)
PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
Online geographical information database with data on housing, education, mortgage originations, jobs and more. Create custom maps, tables, and reports.
View tutorials for more help:
Creating a Map
Creating a Community Profile Report
(The Reinvestment Fund)
RAND State Statistics This link opens in a new window
State-by-state statistics for Business & Economics, Community, Education, Energy & Environment, Government Finance, Health & Socioeconomics, Population & Demographics.
(RAND Corporation)

Government Websites with Data:

Data.gov
One place to search for all of the government's reported data.
U.S. Data
Data sets from the U.S. Census and other government agencies.
Centers for Disease Control Data & Stats
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Dept. of Justice - Uniform Crime Reporting
Crime in the U.S. (FBI Annual Report)