Social Science Data : Welcome and Introductory Resources

List of databases available through the UW-Madison Libraries.

"Provides a single point of access to quality research data from repositories across disciplines and around the world. Through linked content and summary information, this data is displayed within the broader context of the scholarly research, enabling users to gain perspective that is lost when data sets or repositories are viewed in isolation. These connections allow researchers to access an array of data across subjects and regions, providing a comprehensive picture of research output, to maximize research efforts and accurately assess importance."

"Are you looking for datasets to help you in your research or to use in a class assignment? We have compiled the following resource to help you find, reuse, and cite datasets across a variety of disciplines. We’ve also included a few best practices you’ll want to keep in mind in order to reuse datasets responsibly."

Google's search engine for datasets.

A collection of statistical data from around the world, covering a wide range of socio-economic topics. The collection includes data on the Americas and Europe, but also hard-to-find data on Africa, Asia and Oceania.

"The iPOLL Databank at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research is a full-text, question-level retrieval system for United States public opinion back to 1935."

"A compilation of questions and responses from more than 14,000 national, state, local and special surveys in the U.S. and more than 80 other countries."

"The world's leading archive of public opinion data."

"Statistical data in a wide range of subject areas, with tools for searching, analyzing and visualizing."

Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to current and historical U.S. census data and demographic information. The easy-to-use web interface lets users create maps and reports to better illustrate, analyze and understand demography and social change. In addition to being a comprehensive data resource, Social Explorer also offers features and tools to meet the needs of both demography experts and novices. It creates reports at all geographic levels including the state, county, census tract, block group, zip code and census place. Included are over 18,000 maps, hundreds of profile reports, 40 billion data elements, 335,000 variables and 220 years of data.

"Published since 1878, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States."

The UW–Madison Libraries have licensed a number of full-text, bibliographic, and other datasets that may be suitable for text mining or similar research uses. Use the links below to access datasets purchased and licensed by the Libraries, text and data mining platforms, and databases with API access. You can also browse additional datasets and related subject guides available through our Libraries or reach out to a subject librarian for help finding data.

"The Social Science Computing Cooperative supports researchers at UW-Madison who use statistical analysis in their work. We provide a complete research computing environment focused on statistics plus the expert help you need to use it."

Books, reference works, journal articles, cases, sample datasets, and videos necessary to design and execute a research project for all levels of researchers, from undergrads to the most senior faculty.

The Statistical Consulting Group is part of the Department of Statistics in the College of Letters and Science. We provide UW faculty, staff, and students with assistance in all the statistical aspects of research, from project development through publication. Faculty, staff, and project assistant statisticians, all with training and experience in bridging statistics and the sciences, are available for collaboration.