Research data for Social Scientists

We just had an email alerting us to 5 free webinars on research data and resources for social scientists, which the UK Data Service are running from 13th-17th May. Here are the details:

Webinar week at UK Data Service: Five free online sessions

Social scientists from all sectors are invited to participate in a series of webinars designed to introduce the data and resources available through the newly formed UK Data Service.

All webinars are free of charge and open to anyone in the UK and overseas. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reserve your spot by booking at the links below.

An introduction to data available from the UK Data Service
Monday 13 May 2013 at 11.00

An overview of the types of data available, including UK government surveys, cross-national surveys, data from the UK Census and qualitative data. The webinar will include some case studies demonstrating how the data have been used in research.

Attendees are also encouraged to attend the Thursday webinar to learn how to find and access specific data collections.

Broadening access: Improving the impact of social data
Tuesday 14 May 2013 at 16.30

Panel discussion with Keith Dugmore, a private-sector data consultant and owner of Demographic Decisions, and Sharon Witherspoon, Director of the Nuffield Foundation and one of the original researchers on the British Social Attitudes Survey.

The discussion is moderated by David Martin, Deputy Director of the UK Data Service and former coordinator of the ESRC Census Programme.

Looking after and managing your research data
Wednesday 15 May 2013 at 16.00

A practical session for anyone actively creating social science research data. You will learn about practices, resources and support available to create well organised, well documented, high-quality research data through the course of your research so that your data continues to generate impact after you have analysed it yourself.

UnDISCOVERed riches: Finding and accessing data via the UK Data Service
Thursday 16 May 2013 at 15.00

A practical overview, focusing on the service's new search-and-browse portal, Discover, which allows users to search for datasets, support guides, case studies, ESRC outputs, variables and questions.

A useful follow-up to the Monday webinar introducing data available through the UK Data Service.

An introduction to 2011 census geography
Friday 17 May 2013 at 15.00

An introduction to census output geographies, outlining five key differences between 2001 and 2011 census output geographies.

The UK Data Service is a comprehensive resource funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to support researchers, teachers and policymakers who depend on high-quality social and economic data.

The UK Data Service website provides a single point of access to a wide range of secondary data previously held by the Economic and Social Data Service (ESDS), the ESRC Census Programme and the Secure Data Service. All are backed with extensive support, training and guidance to meet the needs of data users, owners and creators.