Data Products » Restricted Data » Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What requirements do I need to meet in order to receive HRS Restricted Data
A: The two crucial requirements that you must meet in order to access any HRS Restricted Data file are:
- You must be affiliated with an institution that has an NIH-approved Human Subjects Review Process via a Multiple Projects Assurance.
- You must be a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on a project funded by a current United States Government research grant or contract. If you are a Co-Principal Investigator, the Principal Investigator must sign the Restricted Data Agreement.
Q: I am a researcher who can't meet the requirements summarized in FAQ #1. Is there any way to get HRS Restricted Data for my use?
A: See if you can work with a researcher at your institution who does meet the requirements noted above. Also, the Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging has opened a restricted data facility which houses HRS Restricted Data. The MiCDA Data Enclave may be used by researchers who cannot meet the usual restricted data requirements.
Q: I am a tenured researcher with federal funding who works for a research organization that is not part of an educational institution. Is there any way I could qualify for access to HRS Restricted Data?
A: In many cases, yes. Contact the Health and Retirement Study for details.
Q: I am a researcher with who works for a United States Government Agency. Is there any way that I (or my agency) can qualify for access to HRS Restricted Data?
A: Yes, contact the Health and Retirement Study for details.
Q: I am a faculty member or student at an educational institution located outside the United States who wants to use HRS Restricted Data. How can I gain access to the restricted files listed on this site?
A: In all likelihood, answer to this question is a negative, since you must meet the basic requirements summarized in FAQ #1; i.e., United States Government funding at an NIH-certified educational or research institution. For foreign researchers who are able to visit Ann Arbor, the MiCDA Data Enclave can be used to access HRS restricted data.
Q: What computing environments and operating systems do you support?
A: We distribute our data in formats that are compatible with most computing environments and operating sytems.
- Environments: Standalone workstation (recommended), private network (recommended), networked workstation (not recommended), client-server (not recommended).
- Operating Systems: Windows XP/2000, MacOS-X, all flavors of Unix. Contact HRS if your operating system is not on this list.
Q: Can researchers at separate institutions gain access to restricted data under the same agreement.
A: It depends on the specific situation; contact HRS before you submit your proposal.
Q: I am looking for data elements that are not included in the HRS public files. Is there a way to obtain this information as restricted data?
A: Possibly, depending on the type of data sought and the resources entailed in making the data set available. Also there are certain data elements (names, telephone numbers, street addresses, etc.) that will never be released. Once again, contact HRS before you submit your proposal.
Q: How will the restricted data files be delivered?
A: The data are stored in a PGP self-decrypting archive (Windows) or PGP static key file (Unix, MacOS) and are delivered on CD-ROM or diskette by courier service.
Q: I want to work with HRS Restricted Data as an assistant to a researcher who meets the requirements summarized in FAQ #1. I don't have my own office or computer, but I do have access to a public computing facility. Can I qualify for access to restricted data under these conditions?
A: No, you must have a private office and your own (non-shared) computer.
Q: Can you give me any further advice on dealing with HRS Restricted Data?
A: Yes, the following documents may be of use.
Last change: March 17, 2009
