Data Resources Used Most Often By SSDL Users
Consultation with SSDL Data Specialists
Clients may consult with SSDL data specialists for assistance with data acquisition, quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques and tools, and mapping (GIS) assistance, and data archival. Follow this link for more detailed information about SSDL services.
For "Counters:" Quantitative Data Analysis Support
The SSDL supports researchers using quantitative data in a number of ways. We provide general assistance in formulating research questions, identifying secondary data sets that can help answer those questions, as well as in figuring out the appropriate analytical techniques for the problem. We can help you use several quantitative data analysis software packages.
Statistics: Online Help for SPSS Users
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a data management and analysis product. It can perform a variety of data analysis and presentation functions, including statistical analyses and graphical presentation of data. SPSS users may make an appointment with a data specialist at the SSDL. For those needing immediate assistance, the University of Texas at Austin provides this helpful guide.
For "Sorters:" Qualitative Data Analysis Support
The SSDL supports Qualitative Data researchers with consulting in the use of qualitative data analysis software. Currently, we support Atlas.ti. We are also serving as coordinator for efforts to create a Qualitative Data User Group and to provide other support services such as links to resources on the internet and conferences for qualitative data analysts.
SSDL Catalogue
To search our unique holdings, please come into the library, located in 863 Gladfelter Hall on the Temple University Campus. Most of the data we provide is also available through ICPSR whose holdings are searchable online.
Geographic Data and Geographic Data Analysis
The SSDL provides some geographic data relevant to the Philadelphia metropolitan area online. Shape files for use with ArcGIS mapping software are available for download here. We also provide links to other geographic data sites.
Request Data
If you have a data request, you may fill out this form to provide information about your request to an SSDL data librarian. Please feel free to contact us in person or by phone if you have any questions about filling out this form.
Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) maintains and provides access to a vast archive of social science data for research and instruction. Temple users can directly download many data sets through ICPSR Direct. ICPSR is a repository for historical, longitudinal, and crossectional data on a multitude of topics including:
- Social Institutions and Behavior: (Economics, Education, Family, Community and Urban, Mass Political Behavior);
- Health Data,
- Organizational Data; and
- Government Structures and Policy.
Data Sources on the Internet
Links to useful social science data resources on the internet.
Philadelphia Area Data from the Metropolitan Philadelphia Indicators Project
The Metropolitan Philadelphia Indicators Project (MPIP) provides a set of social, environmental and economic indicators reflecting the quality of life in the region's communities.
Restricted Philadelphia Data from the Community Health Database
In 2003, Temple University joined the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation's (PHMC) Community Health Data Base (CHDB), giving faculty, students, and staff access to PHMC's biannual Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Survey and geographically-related vital statistics, home mortgage, property, and tax data. The survey includes information about the health status, personal health behaviors, access to and utilization of area health services, and other issues for some 13,000 residents in the five county Pennsylvania side of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Geographically-related data are available at the census tract, zip code, county, and regional level. SSDL has the data for 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004. Special samples are available for children and the elderly.