Support

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions and quick help with all questions relating to data use and data transfer with the help of our own FDZ ChatGPT.

Data advice at the FDZ

The FDZ's ChatGPT

Who can request data from the FDZ at the IQB? 🔗

Researchers, teaching staff and students at universities or publicly funded research institutes can apply for data.

Students must name a person responsible for their research, as only this person can stamp the data usage agreement with the university seal.

How long will it take to receive the requested data? 🔗

The following applies to scientific use files: Once your application has been received, we will first check whether the formal criteria for approval have been met. A data use agreement will then be drawn up. Once we have received the signed original agreement, you will receive the requested data. Please note that this process can take around four weeks.

What are restriction notices? How do they affect my research, research questions and data usage agreements? 🔗

Some studies are subject to restriction notices. This means that questions have been blocked by the data providers so that they can first complete their own qualification work on the topic. If a requested question violates a restriction notice, the request cannot be approved until the restriction notice expires. However, this occurs very rarely. You can see whether restriction notices apply on the respective study pages.

I am conducting research on a topic that requires me to compare different federal states. What do I need to bear in mind? 🔗

  • Not all studies provide information on the federal states.
  • Access to the federal state variable, if available, is subject to special regulations in order to protect scientific and ethical quality standards.
  • Most of the Scientific Use Files (Off-site) of the FDZ at the IQB do not contain federal state variables as standard.
  • Comparisons between groups of countries are possible and must be described in the application.
  • The federal state variable can be used as a control variable and must be described in the application.
  • In both cases, no results for individual federal states may be reported.
  • If federal states are to be identified and previously unpublished questions are to be investigated, an application procedure with scientific review is used (see novel country comparisons).
  • Secondary analyses using data from a single federal state require the consent of the respective federal state.

Forum4MICA

In addition, we are also involved in Forum4MICA – a platform for public exchange on topics related to the provision and use of research data in the social sciences, education, behavioural sciences and economics, which serves to promote dialogue between researchers and research data centres. It is available to anyone who is looking for topic-related information and/or would like to actively participate in the dialogue. The forum adds an interactive component to existing user services and documentation materials. With every new question, answer and comment, the generally accessible knowledge base of Forum4MICA grows and offers all the relevant functions of an online discussion platform.
Learn more