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ICPSR Requirements for Rapid Data Release

ICPSR can expedite the process of making a data collection available on the ICPSR Web site and through its online Data Analysis System (DAS), if the collection meets certain requirements and contains the following components:

  1. Electronic Deposit Form
  2. Data File(s)
  3. Technical Documentation

The requirements for rapid release on the ICPSR Web site are listed below under "Level I", for the DAS in addition, under "Level II".

  1. Electronic Deposit Form

    The ICPSR electronic deposit procedure facilitates the secure upload of files via a Web browser and establishes the terms and conditions of the data transfer.

    The form also enables the depositor to describe the data collection being deposited. The depositor may designate others to access and add information to the form if desired. The form was designed to permit the depositor to save his/her progress through the form so that it does not need to be completed in one session.

    The form is estimated to take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. If you encounter any issues with the form or have questions, please contact deposit@icpsr.umich.edu.

    Enter Electronic Deposit Form

    This form must be used for every data submission.

  2. Data File(s)

    The following content and processing are required for rapid release of data files.

    Level I

    Level II

    Format

    One of the following:

    • SPSS portable file

    • SAS transport file (6.x or later) plus formats catalog -- prefer PROC COPY but will accept CPORT

    • Stata data file

    Same as Level I.

    Labels

    • Full variable labels

    • Full value labels

    • Full labels for dummy and derived variables

    Same as Level I.

    Missing data

    • Full definitions

    Same as Level I.

    Disclosure processing

    • Each file must be de-identified with information in the codebook on how this was accomplished.

    • Direct identifiers -- e.g., names, addresses, Social Security numbers, verbatim responses with identifying information -- must be expunged before deposit.

    • Indirect identifiers must be treated before deposit. These include:

      • Geographic information that can be used alone or in combination with other variables to identify individuals

      • Other variables that can be used in combination to identify individuals

    Same as Level I.

    Quality control

    • The dataset must also be checked and corrected for the following:

      • Wild codes

      • Consistency in skip and response patterns

    Same as Level I.

    Case IDs

    n/a

    • Unique case IDs (designated as variable named CASEID) are required.

  3. Technical Documentation

    A codebook must accompany the data file(s) submission. The following content is required for rapid release.

    Codebook

    Level I

    Level II

    Format

    • Original source document in MSWord or ASCII

    Same as Level I.

    Cataloging information

    • Mandatory: Title, Principal Investigator, Data Producer, Place and Date of Production, Funding Agency (should be supplied on Data Deposit Form as well)

    Same as Level I.

    Description of data collection project

    • Description of how the data were collected and the data sources used

    Same as Level I.

    Sampling information

    • Full description of sampling design, frame, and methods as well as sampling error

    Same as Level I.

    Variable text

    • Full variable and value labels, full details of all coding classifications

    • Preferred: All variables information marked up/tagged in XML according to the Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) standard (see www.ddialliance.org)

    • Acceptable: Consistently formatted variables text including variable and value labels

    Question text

    • Preferred: Integrated with variables

    • Acceptable: Separate file with variable IDs for linking

    Same as Level I.

    Recodes/derived variables

    • Full description of recoded and derived variables

    Same as Level I.

    Frequencies

    • Unweighted preferred -- may be submitted as separate file

    Same as Level I.

    Weighting information

    • Fully documented weights with information on conditions under which they should be used

    Same as Level I.

    Structural information

    • Details on file types and linkages among files

    Same as Level I.

    Data Collection Instrument (optional)

    Level I

    Level II

    Format

    • Original source document

    • If PDF, embedded fonts preferred

    Same as Level I.

    Related Bibliographies (optional)

    Level I

    Level II

    Format

    • Original source document in MSWord or ASCII

    Same as Level I.

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