Researchers exploring new statistical techniques often find that hands-on practice is essential to the learning process. The best way to learn how to do data analysis is to see examples of how others have approached analysis and then practice doing it yourself using real data.
Data is the raw information and the direct result of research that was conducted as part of a study, experiment or survey. It is typically raw data that needs to be manipulated using software.
Datasets are groupings of data collected and arranged in a set or structured manner. The records in a dataset can be organised in various ways, depending on how you wish to access the information. When a dataset has been created by another researcher or research group, it is classed as secondary data.
It can be time consuming finding data for your research as it involves searching major sources of published research data such as:
Collection of Teaching Datasets
SAGE Research Methods Datasets is a collection of teaching datasets that can be used to support the teaching and learning of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. These are datasets taken from real research projects, but edited and cleaned for teaching purposes. Each dataset will be accompanied by a short clear narrative description of the data and easy-to-follow instructions on how to apply the research method.
Sources of Datasets
The datasets included in SAGE Research Methods Datasets are taken from government sources and academic research and demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative methods. Each dataset is presented with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to best demonstrate how the method is applied.
SRM provides over 500 datasets using data from real research, designed to support the teaching and independent learning of data analysis techniques. You can browse by Method, Discipline and Data Type. Alternatively you can Browse all Datasets. Datasets are also included in the search results of SAGE Research Methods.
Each content page includes the following:
Sample Data
Sage Research Methods Datasets provide sample data sets that students can use to practice doing data analysis and that faculty can use in a research methods course to demonstrate various analytical techniques.
Video: SAGE Research Methods Datasets Overview
Take a tour of SAGE Research Methods Datasets, a collection of teaching datasets and instructional guides that give students a chance to learn data analysis by practicing themselves. This bank of topical, engaging practice datasets, indexed by method and data type, are optimized to use in classroom exercises or in exam papers, saving faculty members hours spent sourcing and cleaning data themselves.
Practice Using Real Data
The above video looks at an example of a quantitative dataset and how you would use it:
Hands-on Practice
Practice makes perfect!
Sage Research Methods Datasets provide students and faculty with a range of interesting datasets they can use to practice data analysis techniques, as well as the wealth of pedagogical content to guide them through the process of learning new methods of data analysis.
Tips on Using Data in Teaching
SRM Datasets are designed to help faculty explain data analysis to students through the following:
Download Formats
You can download the data found in each dataset by in the Dataset and Guides tab.
To learn more about dataset file types, click here.
To learn more about datasets for teaching, visit: