Frequently Asked Questions
- The dataset I wish to analyze is restricted. What do I have to do to get the data?
- I want to apply for access to restricted use data, but I don't have the terminal degree (PhD., M.D., etc.) or a Principal Investigator (PI)-eligible appointment at my institution as stated in the requirements of the Restricted Data Use Agreement. Would I still be able to gain access to restricted use data?
- Can I access restricted use data from home?
- I have access to restricted use data through Secure Download. How do I change my approved remote location for accessing the restricted use data (e.g., I was working at my institution, but now I will be working from home)?
- How can I encrypt my removable storage device?
- I am requesting access to restricted use data. Can I use my institution's virtual data enclave to access restricted use data?
- My institution would like to modify the Restricted Data Use Agreement. How do I do this?
- I am working with a research team that consists of researchers at different institutions. Can a research team working across different institutions use one application to apply for access to restricted use data?
- Does each institution need to have their own IRB determination letter?
- Can I apply for more than one dataset in the same application?
- I have been approved for access to restricted use data through ICPSR's Virtual Data Enclave (VDE) but am having problems connecting to the VDE. What cancan I do?
- What kind of data formats do you distribute?
- What are setup files? How do I use them?
- There are no setup files available for my dataset. How do I create a setup file?
- Can I use Excel to analyze the data?
- What is R? How do I use it?
- How can I use your data if I don't have access to SAS, SPSS, or Stata?
- How do I deposit my data with CFData?
- Why and how should I cite data?
- What is a persistent URL? What is a DOI?
- I'm interested in replicating research that was conducted with an earlier version of an ICPSR study. Is it possible to get those data?
- How can I find data that include my desired variables?
- A variable is listed in the codebook, but I can't find it in the data file. Does CFData have access to the missing variable?
Contact User Support
If the FAQs and video tutorials do not answer your questions, our user support staff are available 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET, Monday to Friday.
Phone: 734-647-2200
Email: [email protected]
Our goal is to respond to inquiries on the same day they are received.