Preparing Data

We help investigators who are creating datasets to make data public, and to do so in a way that is efficient for them, useful for other researchers, and productive in the long term. Beginning as early as project conception, the DSDR staff is available for consultation about designing data files. We assist data producers in the creation of metadata that are effective for the entire lifetime of the study, and we encourage them to begin the documentation process as early in the study's history as possible. In addition, DSDR provides professional consultation to investigators about the risk of disclosure, and steps to be undertaken to avoid breach of confidentiality through disclosure.

Preparing a Dataset for DSDR

• Guide to Social Science Data Preparation and Archiving (PDF 1.5MB)
• ICPSR Requirements for Rapid Data Release
• Benefits of Depositing and Archiving Data
• Preserving Respondent Privacy/Confidentiality

Depositing Data with DSDR

• Submission Criteria
• Data Collection Preparation Tips
• Mode of Transmission
• Contact Us

Disclosure Analyses

Data Sharing for Demographic Research (DSDR) at ICPSR is available to engage in formal disclosure analyses for demographic data collections. Disclosure analyses are conducted to assess potential confidentiality risks in data and devise ways to protect the confidentiality of respondents while retaining maximum information in a data collection. For more information, please contact DSDR staff at dsdr@icpsr.umich.edu.

For more information, see the ICPSR Bulletin article, "Disclosure Analysis at ICPSR" (PDF 1.6MB).