Search/Compare Variables

The Social Science Variables Database (SSVD) enables users to examine and compare variables and questions across studies or series .The SSVD currently includes over 5 million variables, representing about 76% of ICPSR's holdings that have quantitative data described in statistical syntax. The SSVD also includes variables for a number of quantitative studies available from non-ICPSR sources to assist data users in discovering data.

The SSVD does not include the entire DSDR collection. For a comprehensive search of all datasets, use the main data search, which indexes all of the documentation available for DSDR studies, including the variable descriptions.

Comparing Variables

Select checkboxes, and then select "Compare" from the Actions button. This will take you to a screen where you can compare the details of the variables you chose.

screenshot focusing on compare variable buttons on variable search results screen

Search Tips

  • Enter words or strings that are likely to appear in a variable name, label, question, and value labels:
    Presidential election will return variables dealing with all presidential elections
    Presidential election Obama will return only variables dealing with the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections
  • Use quotes to search for specific phrases:
    "life satisfaction" "minority rights" "community programs"
  • Use a minus sign (-) to exclude results:
    "Presidential debate" -"Bill Clinton" will eliminate the debates from 1992 and 1996 in which Clinton participated
  • A Boolean "and" is implied in the search.
  • The search automatically does stemming (more info); there's no need to type in an asterisk. It's also case-insensitive.