1. Accessing detailed microdata with Real Time Remote Access (RTRA) An Introduction
Susan Mowers, Data Librarian, GSG Centre - UOttawa
René Duplain, Data Analyst, GSG Centre - UOttawa 1

2. Learning outcomes Learn how to use RTRA, SAS and the RTRA libguide
Compare the pros and cons of RTRA, Odesi (and RDC’s)

3. Agenda Introduction - RTRA and GSS Social Identity dataset
Demo and Hands-on
Intro to research question and documentation/handouts
Get results from Odesi (exercise) to compare with RTRA
Get results from RTRA
RTRA GSS27 on your own!
Discussion of pros and cons of Odesi/PUMF’s versus RTRA
COOL RDC
Apply for RTRA account

4. Introduction to the RTRA service
Library RTRA Guide:

5. Advantages of RTRA in research and teaching
Expands researchers’ and students’ research options
Strengthens research proposals and grant applications
Basic level statistical analysis experience required
Building statistical analysis skills (supported by researcher-centred RTRA support and training)
Rapid access:
A whole class can be registered within a short period of time / Quick account application via GSG to Statistics Canada
24/7 access to documentation, dummy data, RTRA account
RTRA results within an hour 5

6. Overview of “what” you can get that not available as public data
Confidential registry or Administrative microdata for SAS
Confidential survey microdata for SAS

7. Let’s check the RTRA collection
Library RTRA Guide [Link]

8. Your Microdata Options Compared
StatsCan DLI Public Microdata
Most variables are categorized (including quantitative variables like income and age) or reclassified into larger groups (including visible minorities). See your Data Dictionary
24/7 and bilingual access
Thousands of surveys
See [Link]

9. RTRA - It’s in the details!
Occupations, educational programs, and industry
Special populations –
Exact ages (re-code/group how “you” want)
Ethnic groups, visible minorities, religious affiliations
Country of birth
Income
Geography (more CMAs, FSAs)
Take advantage of “THE MASTER FILE”

10. Your Microdata Options Compared
StatsCan RTRA Master Files
Much more detail (and some more geography)!
Data is ready to be categorized the way you want as the data is rarely categorized. See your Data Dictionary
Many surveys ask questions for which the possible answers are already grouped/ranked
No regression analysis/probability stats possible

11. Your Microdata Options Compared
StatsCan / COOL RDC Master files
Highest detail - again granting you the most freedom to recode data,, as in this graphic with shading by visible minority status
All types of analysis including longitudinal analysis

12. Our research question
Is amount of time spent following the news and pride in being Canadian related?

13. Example 1:
Get statistical results from Odesi (the PUMF)

14. Preparing SAS programs for RTRA

15. What can you get through RTRA
What can you get through RTRA? Descriptive statistics: see sample examples Libguide [Temporary Link]

16. Exercise 2:
Get statistical results from RTRA

17. RTRA Users: more disperse than expected
Social Sciences (most RTRA surveys)
Engineering (NGS)
Law (UCR/Homicide)
Nursing (NGS)
Management (GSS)
Institutional Research and Planning
Building on <odesi> or bridging to COOL RDC (any time)

18. RTRA application process

19. RTRA account You: Apply and keep account current
René: Signs your application forms and sends to Statistics Canada (back-up: Susan, Catie)

20. Which is best?
Odesi
RTRA
COOL RDC

21. Discussion – Where to?

22. Please help … What are your needs:
To promote available microdata, e.g., from Statistics Canada
Odesi, not widely promoted in the classroom
COOL RDC and RTRA, less so
Research proposals and data/statistical reference questions (Odesi and RTRA)
What are your needs:
How can we help you to help students and researchers?

23. Intake before consultation meeting
Combination of in-person and
What is the best survey / source?
Does Statistical Focal Point contact know the best RTRA survey?
Cross-over with DLI contact / Susan and Catie
Odesi, Statistics Canada’s and GSG’s RTRA tools are consulted for the survey
Confirm survey - key concepts / variables – variables not suppressed
What is user’s statistical knowledge – level and software? (SAS needs of user?)
Application for RTRA account in advance
What stats package does the user know?
Dummy file downloaded
Survey template prepared
SAS / RTRA (test SAS job on dummy file, test RTRA job in RTRA account)

24. RTRA - Statistics Canada’s role
Setup new RTRA accounts for subscribing institutions
Acquire new surveys and data and make them available to all RTRA account holders. notifications are sent on the new files.
Provide parameters documentation on surveys (web site), and the dummy master file data and data dictionaries (Filezilla).
Provide fast computer-generated responses on RTRA SAS jobs (as output or error messages)
Liaise with René and Susan to improve services as required.

25. Evaluation Tell us please
Was this worthwhile? Room for improvement? Please provide your honest feedback!
Tell us please