Another new Data PC in the Library

Today we've added an extra Data PC in the Library, opposite the Bloomberg terminal. This machine is loaded with Datastream and SDC Platinum, which means we now have three machines providing access to those databases.

I'm always open to suggestions on how to improve our data provision here at LSE, so please let me know if there is anything that you'd like to see.

Introductory Workshop: Analysing Complex Sample Design in ESDS Government Datasets

Introductory Workshop: Analysing Complex Sample Design in ESDS Government Datasets

Monday 20 July 2009
University of Manchester

Introduction

Standard statistical software commands typically treat data as simple random samples. A large proportion of Government surveys however employ complex sample design features such as stratification and clustering. Rather than treating such data as simple random samples, techniques, or approaches to analysis are required that take into account these design features.
Focussing on design-based approaches, this introductory workshop provides grounding in elementary concepts in complex sample design and the analysis of survey data using Stata. A new guide to analysing complex survey design in ESDS Government datasets is further introduced.

Overview

The morning sessions focus on theory and statistical concepts involved in the design and the analysis of complex surveys. In the afternoon, hands on workshops introduce design-based approaches to survey estimation using the ‘svy’ suite of commands in Stata. Topics covered include producing basic descriptive statistics, sub-population analysis, estimating design effects, and basic multivariate analysis. Practical exemplars are given using the Health Survey for England (HSE).

Course Requirements:

• A basic knowledge of the user interface and commands in Stata is required.
Those unfamiliar with Stata are referred pre-course to the first few sections of the guide on Analysing the Labour Force Survey using Stata.

• An understanding of elementary concepts in sampling theory and estimation will also be helpful (e.g. what a simple random is; knowing the distinction between a population parameter and a sample estimate (such as sample and population means); what are standard errors and confidence intervals).

To view the programme and book a place please go to http://www.ccsr.ac.uk/esds/events/2009-07-20/

Eventus added to WRDS

Eventus has been added to WRDS.

Eventus performs event study estimation and testing using the CRSP stock database and provides fast event-oriented data retrieval from the CRSP stock database. Eventus software is available for use through WRDS (Wharton Research Data Services).

WRDS can be accessed via: http://wrds.wharton.upenn.edu/connect.

Managing research data well

Tuesday 30 June 2009, City University, London

Wednesday 1 July 2009, University of Manchester, Manchester

On 30 June and 1 July 1 2009, the UK Data Archive (UKDA) in collaboration with the RELU Data Support Service (RELU-DSS) is organising two workshops for researchers on how to manage research data to ensure their high quality and longevity, especially with the view of enabling the sharing, archiving and future re-use of research data.

Good data management is the foundation for good research. If data are properly organised and looked after, and their accuracy and integrity are controlled at all times, the result is high quality data, efficient research and the saving of time and resources. Good management ensures that data can be preserved and remain accessible in the long term and re-used in future research.

This hands-on workshop covers key issues in data management, providing key information, practical examples, case studies and discussion on:

• data quality control, data formats and preservation, versioning and authenticity, data storage
• data security and controlling access
• describing and documenting data
• data copyright, rights management and the use of existing data sources

Four modules will be run throughout the day in parallel sessions, with researchers able to attend each module.

During lunch time participants will have the opportunity for a one-to-one surgery session with course leaders to discuss particular data issues relevant to their research.

The workshop is aimed at researchers from the social and natural sciences, and humanities. It is free to attend, but places are limited, so booking is essential. Lunch is provided.

For further information see www.data-archive.ac.uk/news/eventdetail.asp?id=2230

Census data workshop: using migration data and the ONS Longitudinal Study, Southend, 26 June

Time: 10.30-16.00 (10.00 registration and refreshments)
Date: Friday, 26 June 2009
Place: University of Essex, Southend Campus, Elmer Approach, Southend-on- Sea, SS1 1LW Booking and information:
<http://www.data-archive.ac.uk/news/eventdetail.asp?id=2175>

This workshop will include an introduction to the data services offered by Census.ac.uk and is aimed at those studying or working in the UK higher and further education sector, but is not limited to those already registered to use the census.

At this workshop users will be introduced to the activities of the Centre for Interaction Data Estimation and Research (CIDER) and the Web-based Interface to Census Interaction Data (WICID) data extraction system.

Rachel Stuchbury, Julian Buxton and Christopher Marshall from the Centre for Longitudinal Study Information and User Support (CelSIUS) will introduce the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study, with a focus on health and ethnicity, discussing data sources and structure, offering suggestions for research topics and designs, showing how to access the data and giving participants an opportunity to explore the data for themselves using two teaching datasets, on ethnicity and limiting long term illness respectively.

Shane Bartley, Strategy and Performance Advisor at Southend Borough Council, will give a short talk about their preparations for the 2011 census.

The workshop is free to attend and includes lunch and refreshments. However travel and accommodation costs will need to be met by the participants.

Booking and information:
<http://www.data-archive.ac.uk/news/eventdetail.asp?id=2175>

Cathie Marsh Bursary for young statisticians or social scientists

Cathie Marsh bursary - deadline extended

The Cathie Marsh memorial bursary was launched in 1994 by the Social Statistics section in memory of Cathie Marsh who chaired the section from 1990 to 1992.

The aim of the bursary is to encourage young statisticians or social scientists in empirical enquiry and those using quantitative methods through attendance at the annual international conference of the Royal Statistical Society.

The scheme is open to members and student members of the RSS who are at an early stage in their careers and for whom a bursary award would allow attendance, which would not otherwise be possible.

Applications will be considered on their individual merits by a subcommittee of the Social Statistics section.
Two bursary awards each of a maximum of £150 are being made available to put towards the costs of attending RSS 2009 Conference.

The deadline for applications has been extended to 26 May.
Full details (including information about applying for the bursary) about the RSS 2009 Conference, which takes place in Edinburgh between 7 and 11 September, can be found at www.rss.org.uk/rss2009

Have you used ESDS?

ESDS International, the excellent source of aggregate and survey international datasets for HE institutions like LSE, is reviewing its progress and work.

I'd really like to hear from anyone who has used ESDS to access any data so I can feedback to them how LSE has found using their services.

Any comments are welcome!