Data Reference Toolkit

Who is likely to collect data on your topic? List as many as you can think of and visit their web sites. Here are some suggestions: 

• Search for prominent faculty and experts in the field. Check their websites for data on their research. 

• Understand which specific government agencies may have information on your topic in the A-Z index of U.S. Government Department and Agencies, usa.gov/federal-agencies

• What are some IGOs and NGOs that have goals that align with your research question? Think about well-known IGOs such as: UN, WTO,OECD, IMF, or World Bank. 

• What are some research organizations that also care about your question? Start by searching in leading organizations, such as the Pew Research Center.
• Look at the many research centers located at USC: https://research.usc.edu/centers/