IPUMS, short for Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, is an integrated database created by the University of Minnesota that provides free access to harmonized microdata from various government and non-government sources. It is a widely-used resource for researchers, policymakers, and educators, offering comprehensive and customizable datasets that cover a wide range of social science topics.
IPUMS includes data from census and survey projects conducted in numerous countries, allowing users to compare and analyze information across different time periods and geographic regions. With its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, IPUMS has become an invaluable tool for conducting demographic, economic, and historical research.
The database is based on a unified coding method called IPUMS census and survey data, which ensures that data from different sources can be easily compared and merged. This harmonization process transforms raw microdata into a consistent and standardized format, enabling researchers to conduct cross-country and cross-time analyses that would otherwise be challenging or impossible.
IPUMS offers a range of powerful tools for data extraction, such as variable search, case selection, and sample design analysis. Researchers can select specific variables, specify criteria for selecting cases, and create customized datasets that meet their specific research needs. Additionally, IPUMS provides access to detailed metadata, including variable definitions, survey and census documentation, and methodology reports, which greatly enhances reproducibility and transparency in research.
Overall, IPUMS is a valuable resource for data-driven research, offering comprehensive and harmonized microdata that facilitates cross-national and longitudinal analysis in various social science disciplines.
