Data and Methodologies
Census
The Census takes place on one day in each decade when information is collected about all the people living or staying in every household in the country. The purpose is to build a full and reliable snapshot of how people live in our complex and rapidly changing society. This resource explores the past, present and future of the Census.
- Census (PDF, 2.69Mb)
- Help shape local transport (PDF, 730Kb)
- Help shape local education (PDF, 449Kb)
- Picking apart the data: how to use the census (The Guardian website)
Datasets
Social science research findings are important because they affect everyone. Collections of digital information and data are commonly described as datasets. This three part resource, written with input from the Economic and Social Data Service (ESDS), explores datasets - their role in social science research, how they are accessed and managed.
Access, uses and management
Using ESDS data for teaching
Key points to remember when creating and managing data
Complete resource
This resource was written by Pamela (Readhead) Merritt
Useful links
Economic and Social Data Service website:
One of the UK's major data collections is the ESDS Catalogue, which contains over 5,000 datasets. Among these are 35 social survey datasets which have been tailor-made for teaching purposes.
The ESS is a good example of an international dataset. Now in its fifth round, the survey is designed to chart and explain the interaction between Europe's changing institutions and the attitudes, beliefs and behaviour patterns of its diverse populations.
The UK Data Archive is the UK's largest collection of digital research data in the social sciences and humanities.