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Initial Assessment

Before ICPSR begins the process of making data available for distribution, a number of steps are taken. Staff at ICPSR:

  • Read the ICPSR data deposit form

  • Review the electronic files

  • Read the paper documents, if applicable

ICPSR uses this information to:

  • Compare the materials received to the descriptions of the materials submitted to ICPSR data as outlined in the ICPSR data deposit form, accompanying readme file, and/or other correspondence with the data depositor

  • Compare case and variable counts of data files to the stated case and variable counts in accompanying documentation

  • Confirm that all necessary materials are present for a secondary analyst to use the data

ICPSR staff is then able to develop a processing plan. This plan outlines:

  • Which materials will ultimately be released and which materials will be stored for archival purposes only

  • The level of processing work and quality review necessary and/or desired to produce a quality data collection

  • The structure of the final documentation files

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