Welcome to SSDAN!

The Social Science Data Analysis Network (SSDAN) is a university-based organization that creates demographic media (such as user guides, web sites, and hands-on classroom computer materials) that make U.S. census data accessible to policymakers, educators, the media, and informed citizens. SSDAN is directed by demographer William H. Frey and utilizes facilities at the Population Studies Center, University of Michigan.

SSDAN Resources

is an archive of census-based datasets and teaching modules designed to provide educators with resources to integrate data analysis exercises into their curricula.

displays U.S. demographic trends through eye-catching maps, graphics, and exportable trend data.

is a portal of teaching and learning resources for infusing quantitative literacy into the social science curriculum.

Publications

Investigating Change in American Society

America by the Numbers: A Field Guide to the US Population

The Allyn & Bacon Social Atlas of the United States

How to Use SSDAN

Submitted by ssdan on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:09

SSDAN provides a wealth of print publications as well as online tools and resources to help you explore demographic trends and further quantitative literacy. To access our resources, navigate through our menu items above or click on our featured products in the box to the left. Highlights of our online content are also regularly updated in our blog below.

Integrating Data Analysis into Undergraduate Courses

Submitted by dwfilly on Mon, 03/26/2012 - 23:51

A new webinar hosted by the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) and the Social Science Data Analysis Network (SSDAN) is now available featuring Dr. Jim Jones, professor emeritus of sociology at Mississippi State University. Jones discusses his successes in helping students in his introductory-level courses use census data and simple analytical tools to become familiar with data analysis.

In his discussion, Jones describes how he tasks his students with invesitgating quantitative data as a way of encouraging them to think originally about sociological issues in order to develop a deeper understanding of the material. These investigations also foster a greater appreciation of the social sciences and help students improve their critical thinking skills. Jones' teaching materials have also been made available for webinar viewers to adopt for their own use.

Population Growth Trends in Metro Areas Over 30 Years

Submitted by ssdan on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 14:57

SSDAN Director William Frey released a report earlier this week which discusses population growth in metropolitan areas and how growth has changed from the 1980s to the late 2000s. As Frey explains, suburban growth has slowed considerably in areas that were once booming, such as Denver, Miami, and Las Vegas. Additionally, while areas of the Sun Belt and Snow Belt experienced rapid growth in the 1990s, this growth decelerated in the latter part of the 2000s. Interestingly, Frey also observed a “boom and bust” in counties “near the metropolitan fringe”. These areas experienced considerable growth from 2005-2006 but their growth rates declined by 2009-2010. The Hispanic population has also experienced changing growth trends from the 1980s.

tags:
- publications
- metros
- frey
- census

SSDAN Director William Frey to Present at Pre-PAA Workshop for Professors

Submitted by ssdan on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 16:26

SSDAN Director William Frey will be presenting “Census and ACS in the Classroom: A ‘Hands-On’ Workshop for College Professors” at the 2012 Annual Population Association of America (PAA) Meeting on Wednesday, May 2 in San Francisco. Together with co-presenters Mark Mather of the Population Reference Bureau and Andrew Beveridge from Social Explorer, Dr. Frey will discuss how professors can integrate American Community Survey (ACS) and US Census data analysis into sociology courses.

Dr. Frey will provide an overview of the SSDAN project, and will demonstrate SSDAN’s DataCounts and CensusScope data analysis tools. Participants will conduct analyses of 1950-2010 Census and 2010 ACS data using PRB, Census Bureau, and SSDAN resources.