Tutorials for commonly used RDRC data sets
MRDRC has compiled the resources below for those researchers interested in learning more about some of the data sets commonly used in RDRC-funded research.
Health and Retirement Study
The HRS is a longitudinal panel study that surveys U.S. adults older than 50 on their health and economic well-being. The study’s website offers 14 videos giving overviews on the survey, biomarkers and physical measures, cognition data; employment retirement and pensions, health insurance and medical encounters; and other topics germane to retirement and disability researchers. Videos range in length from 12 to 30 minutes. All videos are close-captioned, some have PDF versions.
Panel Study of Income Dynamics
The world’s longest running longitudinal household survey, PSID began in 1968 with a nationally representative sample of more than 18,000 individuals living in 5,000 families. It includes data on employment, income, wealth, expenditures, health, marriage, intergenerational transfers, aging, education, and numerous other topics. PSID offers a series of videos covering its history, sample design, documentation, weights, and supplemental studies and topics. Videos range from five to 17 minutes in length and are closed-captioned.
National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS)
NHATS uses annual, in-person interviews to collect information on the disablement process from a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older. The NHATS website hosts 16 videos offering an introduction to the data set, design basics, sample weights and design variables, cognition measures and other topics. Videos range from three to 10 minutes in length and are closed-captioned. NHATS also offers a self-paced, online course for beginners.
Understanding American Survey
The UAS is a nationally representative internet panel of U.S. households. The approximately 15,000 respondents answer surveys on a computer, tablet, or smart phone, wherever they are and whenever they wish to participate. For respondents with limited resources, internet and web-friendly devices are provided. Core surveys are repeated every two years. Topics include health, finances, employment, knowledge of Social Security programs, and more. The UAS also conducts the conducts the HRS surveys, but with some key differences. The UAS’ 2024 data workshop is available on YouTube. The UAS also offers a data visualization tool that does not require user registration.
A recording of MRDRC’s November 2024 UAS workshop is also available.