Below are some suggestions on how to define your data topic and also a few strategies to help you get started with finding datasets.
To ensure a successful data search, start by defining your topic as clearly as possible. Be prepared to adapt your topic based on the availability of data, as not all topics will have readily accessible data. Some data might be proprietary, incomplete, or not available in a researcher-friendly format. If you encounter such limitations, you may need to refine your topic or explore alternative data sources.
As you refine your topic, we suggest visiting the "Articles & Journals" page of this guide. There, you can find articles and research papers that can help deepen your understanding of your subject.
Here are some example topics you might consider:
Conducting a literature search is valuable as it provides insights into existing research and methodologies. This can help you replicate previous studies or build upon their findings. An important aspect of this search is identifying the data sources used by other researchers. Since data sources can be diverse and numerous, it’s essential to be creative with your keyword searches. Often, data sources cited in journal articles or books can save you time and effort.
Consider who might collect or publish the type of data you need. Once you have identified potential organizations, visit their websites to check if they provide any data publicly.
Although not always the most efficient method, searching data repositories can be useful, especially if they focus on your research area.