Improvements to Search How to find datasets that contain several different concepts

A typical search… One request we often hear from researchers is that they would like the ability to search for studies that contain several key variables. For example, a researcher might want a dataset that has variables on race, gender, and drug use. Although our current search does index the variable information, it doesn’t rank the variable text very highly, and it doesn’t make it very easy for the user to evaluate studies based upon those variables.

A new sort option… In the screen above, I changed my sort to a new sort option titled “Variable Relevance.” When you sort by “Variable Relevance,” matches in the variable text are ranked highly, and we display matching variables on the search results screen. As you can see in the example above, however, we need to help the search engine separate out the concepts. Right now, it’s looking for variables that have “gender race drug use” all in the same variable.

Revising the query… To fix this, I’ll separate out the concepts with commas. With my three concepts separated out, the search results page now displays a column for each concept, listing the matching variables in different columns.

Another way to revise… If your query is relatively simple, you can use the link “Try searching for each term separately instead.” This will re-execute your query after inserting commas between each word and appears next to search results that return no variable matches to your current query.

Viewing a variable… On the search results screen, clicking on an individual variable lets you view detailed information on that variable.

Viewing a variable… On the individual variable screen you can view the full question text, categories, frequencies, and summary statistics. You can also view the other variables in the dataset and view the variable’s context within the survey.

Comparing variables… On the search results screen, you can also use the checkboxes beside each variable and the “Compare” button to see the selected variables side-by-side.

Comparing variables… The compare variables screen allows you to view up to five variables side-by-side. This abbreviated display shows the variable name and label, question text, categories, frequencies, time period, and universe. It also provides links to the study home page and to the full variable record.

Conclusion Sorting by “Variable Relevance” ranks the variable text (questions, labels, categories) highly so that top results contain the variable concepts displays matching variables on the search results screen allows you to check variables and compare them side-by-side provides direct links to the full variable description Separating search terms with commas treats each as a distinct variable/concept. drug abuse, gender, race newspaper in home, voting, party affiliation The new search function is pretty simple and straight-forward. When searching for studies that have specific variables, separate your concepts with commas and choose “Variable Relevance” as your sort option on the search results screen. If you have comments or suggestions, please feel free to email web-support@icpsr.umich.edu.