How to identify and search around restricted data in ICPSR

Avoid frustration by learning to identify studies with restricted data and search only public-use data with these two tips:

Tip 1: How to identify if an ICPSR study contains restricted data one second or less

Any study with the red-highlighted statement (circled above) in the notes section contains restricted data. The note reads: "One or more files in this data collection have special restrictions.

You may be able to download something from the study, but likely just the study's codebook or summary documents. This red highlighted statement always means restricted data is involved and it may not fit your needs if you can't apply for access.

Tip 2: How to search ONLY for studies with public use data (data available right away, no application needed)

After you search, navigate to the filter "Restriction type" and click the hyperlink for "public-use." This will filter out the restricted studies so that you only see data available to you right then and there!