Data and Statistics

Statistical analysis software

Several statistical analysis tools are available on public computer workstations in Koerner and Woodward Libraries:

• SAS | Koerner Library 497
• SPSS | Koerner Library 217 and 497, Woodward Library B25
• Stata | Koerner Library 497
• R and RStudio | Koerner Library 217 and 497

Workshops and consultations

• UBC Library Research Commons

Graduate student experts in the Research Commons provide free one-on-one consultations and workshops on data analysis topics including R, Python, SPSS, and NVivo.

• O'Reilly for Higher Education

Online books, training videos, and practice exercises in a wide range of topics. Includes self-paced learning paths and interactive tutorials to help users develop technical skills.

• Statistical Opportunity for Students (SOS)

A program that helps graduate students formulate and understand the statistical issues involved in their research. Interested students may submit a description of their work and meet a consultant to discuss their project and address their statistical questions.  The program is offered by UBC's Applied Statistics and Data Science Group at no charge to students.

Statistics Canada provides data from many of its surveys in Public Use Microdata Files (PUMFs). Some variables are excluded or grouped in PUMFs to protect respondent confidentiality. Researchers who need the complete data may apply for access through the Research Data Centres (RDC) Program. RDCs provide secure access to Statistics Canada data that would not otherwise be available, including microdata Master Files from population and household surveys, administrative data holdings, and linked data. RDC research may be appropriate when:

• the variables required are not included in the Public Use Microdata File (PUMF)
• a PUMF for the dataset is not available
• the analysis requires longitudinal or linked data

For a list of Master Files and variables available through the RDC Program visit the official list of files available.

Note that there is an application approval process which can take some time and is generally not available for undergraduate work. All analysis must be done within the secure environment of the Research Data Centre. The UBC RDC is located on the second floor of Koerner Library.