IBS Seminar Series: Federal Statistical Research Data Centers

Presenter: Jani Little (UCB)

Title: Federal Statistical Research Data Centers: Capabilities, Resources, and Procedures

Abstract: As federal statistical agencies accelerate releases of their data to the research community, more and more often they are falling into the “restricted” category. CU Boulder had partnered with nearby universities to make a substantial investment in the Rocky Mountain Research Data Center (RMRDC), giving local social scientists access to extremely valuable micro-data. These are quickly becoming a necessity for training graduate students and for conducting impactful research investigations.  In this talk I will focus on the distinctions between restricted and public-release data as well as the procedures and protections that accompany restricted data use.  I will highlight some of the innovative projects that are being conducted in the RMRDC to address “society’s most pressing challenges,” and then emphasize new and emerging data sources that can be applied and add value to current IBS research initiatives.  Finally, as we make our way across the restricted data frontier, how are access modes and related policies changing to make restricted data an even bigger part of social science research?

Bio: Jani Little is the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Research Data Center (RMRDC). She has had a long career at IBS as a statistical and data consultant and was formerly the director of IBS Computing and Research Services.  She has collaborated with researchers representing every social science discipline and IBS program.  Dr. Little’s published work is primarily in the area of indirect estimation of migration processes and formal demography.  She is currently a research associate in the Colorado University Population Center (CUPC) and a statistical consultant for the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV).  She holds a BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Iowa, an MA in Mathematics, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Light lunch will be provided beginning at 11:45 am.

Monday, December 2, 2019 at 11:45am to 1:00pm

Institute of Behavioral Science, IBS Meeting Room 155
1440 15th Street, Boulder, CO 80309

Recent Activity