When searching for datasets for your class project or research, consider the following options presented in this guide:

1. Are you looking for a dataset that you can use to conduct further statistical analysis with software?
2. Are you looking for specific numbers that have already been grouped by indicators or statistical analysis?

For datasets, you can visit the public data sources and subscription-based data sources pages in this guide. These data sources are mostly suitable for secondary data analysis by those who are not the primary data collectors. When visiting the subscription-based data sources, the embedded tools often provide visualization or aggregates of different sources for further analysis. Take advantage of these tools through the library subscription.

For specific numbers, you can utilize the data explorers, viz tools, and dashboard page to look up existing databases built by various organization which allow users to query and export reports. 

The third type of resource covered in this guide is special search engines designed for finding research publications and the associated dataset. The accessibility of those datasets can vary, you may need to request permission to access the data.

For discipline specific questions, you can visit the Subject Guide or connect with your Subject Librarians at the UNT Libraries for further assistance.

A specific question or topic of interest will allow better identification of a dataset for your needs. 

Have you thought of which type of analysis you want to conduct? In general, there are three research methods: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Depends on your discipline, there could be a specific type of data analysis appropriate for your research.

The SAGE Research Methods is a collection of instructional video, case study, and teaching datasets that guide users through the research process. This collection also provide electronic access to the research series for social sciences: Little Green Books for quantitative methods and Little Blue Books for qualitative methods.

Below are direct links to the Sage Research Methods collection:

What are data?

Per Merriam-Webster, data are "factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation;" they is also "information in digital form that can be transmitted or processed;" and also, "information output by a sensing device or organ that includes both useful and irrelevant or redundant information and must be processed to be meaningful."

"Data" is plural. 

The U.S. Federal Government defines research data as “the recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate research findings, but not the following: preliminary analyses, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer reviews or communications with colleagues. This “recorded” material excludes physical objects” (Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §215.36 (d)(2)(i))).

Types of Data

Data come in many types and many forms. The type of data is typically directed by the field of study.

• Categorical
• Ordinal
• Temporal
• Numerical
• Text
• Spatial
• Visual
• Physical