Main Data Search
Indexes the full documentation for datasets, including descriptions of the variables
Search/Compare Variables
Bibliography of Data-Related Literature
Continuously-updated database of thousands of citations
Search by one or more keywords
You can specify that your search be processed as a "phrase" instead of just "words" in the drop-down menu. This will narrow your search.
Do not use an asterisk to search for word stem variations, since this is done automatically.
To search by study number, omit leading zeroes.
To search for studies that contain specific variables, separate the query terms with commas; for example, drug use, probation, education. Then sort by variable relevance on the results page.
Read the summary - like a journal article abstract the summary will provide a good overview to help you determine whether the study meets your needs.
Read the codebook - for useful information about how the data were collected and organized. Note whether weights are given to certain variables.
Look at the questionnaire - what was being asked and how are the questions worded.
Check formats - What dataset format(s) are available for download or compatible with the statistical software package you're using.
