MSU is a member of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research,
the largest public opinion library in the world. The Center provides
its members two important survey resources: first, the Public
Opinion Location Library, called POLL, a full-text, question-level
retrieval system; and second, an extensive computer-readable dataset
library of over 12,500 surveys.
Because Roper Center data is both limited and restricted, POLL searches can be performed only by SSDA staff. Interested users should submit question-level search requests and dataset requests to the SSDA staff. Below are guidelines for submitting requests.
POLL SURVEY QUESTION DATABASE
The POLL database contains survey questions in the
area of social and political research asked in the US as far back
as 1936. For each survey question in POLL, the question text,
response categories and response percentages can be obtained,
as well as complete study-level information, including the polling
organization, sponsor, date and sample size.
Upon request, SSDA staff will search the POLL database using its subject, word, organization and date indices. The search results will be captured and made available for downloading from MSU's server to the requesting researcher.
To request a question-level search, please complete an on-line form, call us to arrange an appointment at 353-4441, or stop by our office at 220 South Kedzie Hall (Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm).
COMPUTER-READABLE DATASETS
The Roper Center has a large
library of computer-readable datasets containing survey research
from national and international organizations. These may be a
valuable resource for researchers interested in performing secondary
analyses (cross-tabulations, bivariate or multivariate analysis).
Each dataset contains complete demographic information, including
respondent's age, income, race, religion and sex, enabling researchers
to perform analyses on the relations among attitudes or subgroup
responses.
Unlike ICPSR members, Roper Center members can obtain only a limited number of datasets. Thus, requests must be handled by the SSDA office. To take advantage of this resource, researchers may wish to visit the Roper Center home page to search their on-line catalog for a potentially useful dataset, then contact the SSDA by e-mail, call us to arrange an appointment at 353-4441, or stop by our office at 220 South Kedzie Hall (Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm).
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