6.  Is downloading data free?

7.  How can I become a Network Member?

8.  How can I deposit data?

9.  How can I contact DDCN?

10. How should I cite data downloaded from DDCN?

1. What is the difference between Search by Words and Search by Phrase?

If you select 'Words' the search engine looks for the words independently of one another. In contrast, the 'Search by Phrase' retrieves only those data sets where the text searched occurs exactly as typed (words placed together).  Example:  A search for "consumer confidence" when search by 'Words' is selected will return all data sets that have consumer data and confidence data. So you may end up with consumer price inflation variables and variables on confidence in new government. For such standard variable names  we recommend using the 'Phrase' option which will return occurrences of "consumer confidence" only.

2. What does Data Access refer to?

Given that DDCN is in fact a database of databases, we needed to distinguish among the different ways in which  the data files can be retrieved. We identified seven such modalities.  More...

3. What is Browse by Subject?

This section is meant to be a tool you can use when unsure of which keywords to enter into your search but have an idea of the general topic of research. Selecting any of the subjects within Browse by Subject will return all of the data sets that we have added under that specific category. This section is similar to a library subject catalog.

4. What is Featured Data?

Featured Data are data that DDCN would like to showcase for a period of time.  The data may have been selected due to their uniqueness, completeness, etc. Sometimes we feature data placed on-line by researchers themselves to encourage the practice of data sharing.

5. Is the search case sensitive?

The search is not case sensitive so it does not matter if you use upper or lower case.

6. Is downloading data free? 

Yes.  Currently all data available for downloading through this site are free.  However, other sites may charge for their data.

7. How can I become a Network Member?

Contact DDCN via email at DDCN@bus.umich.edu for further details.  If you deposit data at DDCN, you are automatically entitled to Individual Membership at no charge.  Further, Representative Memberships are also available at no charge to promote data exchange between institutions.  You may view a current list of Representative (Network) Members here.

8. How can I deposit data?

Please click here for further details.

9. How can I contact  DDCN?

Please click here for further details.

10. How should I cite data received from DDCN?

In addition to citing the data producer (institutional or individual), DDCN should be cited as well. We recommend using the following citation:

"Davidson Data Center and Network (http://www.wdi.bus.umich.edu/ddcn)"