Search strategy #1: Start from a general data search.
This is a good strategy if you are not sure what types of variables exist or what data would be relevant for your project. Pick a portal from our general data list.
Search strategy #2: Searching by major areas of study.
This guide provides links to data sources by subject areas. These links are by no means exhaustive, but can be a good start. Visit the Online Data Sources page, find an area that fits your research and start exploring links.
Search strategy #3: Targeted search.
This can be a good strategy if you are familiar with library databases or have a sense of who is a major source of the sort of data you are seeking. Visit the Library Databases page, or go to the website of a relevant organization to look for data.
Search strategy #4: Turn to the literature.
By searching through existing literature, you can discover datasets. When you find a relevant article, it may point you to the dataset it used. You might also browse a data repository to see if someone has archived the data from their research.
Search strategy #5: Ask for help.
Contact a librarian at libteach@uh.edu for assistance if you encounter problems in locating the data source you need.