EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Data Services

The Social Science Research Laboratory's (SSRL) Data Services supports the use of archived datasets by the College of Arts and Letters. These services include:

• Locating archived datasets and online data
• Downloading and subsetting datasets
• Instruction on the use of online information services

For further information visit: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~nmisiasz/data/

Internship in Applied Survey Research

The Internship in Applied Survey Research provides experiential learning opportunities in an academic research setting. The goal of the internship is to provide graduate students in the College of Arts and Letters with field experience in survey research and an opportunity to apply the information and skills learned in their graduate program curriculum in a real-life social research setting. As survey research interns, students will learn about survey research methodology, the phases of a survey research project, and the different types of products and services the SSRL provides. Interns will also become familiar with the SSRL organization, culture, people and technologies.

The SSRL prides itself on conducting research of the highest quality and integrity. Interns will be trained by highly-skilled professional researchers who have a wealth of survey research experience. Interns will learn to work closely with department managers who not only specialize in specific components of the research process but also serve as SSRL project managers and team leaders.

Throughout the academic year, interns will complete survey research reading modules pertaining to methodological issues and current best practices in the survey research field. Reading topics may include, but are not limited to, data collection techniques, designing survey instruments, sampling, designing surveys for the internet, and presenting survey results. Interns gain practical experience by formally presenting information from selected readings to the SSRL staff throughout each semester. In addition to required reading material, interns are encouraged to independently seek answers to research questions and investigate survey research topics of interest to them.

Class Presentations

SSRL staff are available to give in-class presentations to SDSU students on survey research methodology and practice. Please contact Cathy Cirina ccirina@mail.sdsu.edu to request a presentation.

Data Sharing

The SSRL is currently working with DIVA (Digital Information Virtual Archive) at San Francisco State University to make some of our data files available for use by CSU students and faculty. This process began in November 2007 and files should be accessible by mid-2008.