1. Issues in use Sources of secondary data ICPSR

2. Using Secondary Data
Data that were collected by someone other than the researcher
May be qualitative or quantitative
May be contemporary or historical
Examples: statistical data, news media, historical documents, artifacts, oral histories, organizational records, etc.

3. Issues using secondary data
Validity:
Different operational definitions
Meanings of words change over time
Sources may not be scientific
Gaps in information, missing data
Subjective accounts
Reliability - sources’ accuracy may be questionable
Purpose: Data may not fit secondary researcher’s purpose

4. Sources of statistical data
Census bureau:
Bureau of Justice Statistics:
Any federal agency
General Social Survey:
CIA World Factbook
UN Demographic Yearbook
Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (icpsr):