More new goodies!: DataFerrett update

Announcement from the Census Bureau:

We are happy to announce a new release of DataFerrett on January 27th,
2011.

It is now available via a webpage applet at: http://dataferrett.census.gov/

This release is largely being done in support of the American Community
Survey (ACS) Summary Files for the 5-Year data which will be available on
January 31st (with 1 and 3 year data forthcoming), and will include
numerous detailed geographies down to the block-group level.

This release includes many new features as well as datasets, and is easier
to update for security purposes, bug fixes and new feature additions. The
new system has enhanced security in place - it is a signed applet meaning
users will have to accept a VeriSign Certificate to use the software.

Note, the old DataFerrett Application accessed via your desktop will no
longer be supported. However, any saved DataFerrett databaskets (.fsf
files) or tables (.ftf files) created using the application or beta version
of the applet will still be accessible for use.

Please direct any inquiries, feedback, or requests for new features to our
team by replying to this email announcement, or you can email us directly
at dsd_ferrett@census.gov or call us at 1-866-437-0171.

Where have all the Southern Baptists gone?: The ARDA

I recently realized that this blog has never featured The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA)! What an oversight. So, if you have not checked out this free resource, you must do so ... soon. The ARDA provides access to major data resources focused on religion in America and other countries. Some of the most popular data studies include the Baylor Religion Survey, the General Social Surveys, the National Congregations Study. Check out the Data Archive for additional studies.

ARDA has much more than data sets though. Through the National Profiles, US Congregational Membership, Denominations, and QuickStats areas you can explore many kinds of questions.

For example, here is a question from the General Social Survey about views of the Bible.
They've also recently added some basic mapping capabilities in partnership with Social Explorer. Want to know the distribution of Southern Baptists in North Carolina? The ARDA knows.


ARDA is an invaluable tool for research and instruction in a wide range of religious studies topics. If you are an instructor, check out this webinar on using the ARDA in the classroom. And did I mention it is free?

What do you really know about the Tea Party?

Roper Center just added the CBS/NY Times Tea Party Movement Poll dataset: "From April 5-12, 2010, CBS News and New York Times interviewed a sample of national adults including an oversample of Tea Party supporters about their views on the current state of government and the economy. The study includes a series of questions about the respondents involvement with the Tea Party, as well as views of the movement."

You can also generate crosstabs on this dataset before downloading by using RoperExplorer, the new online data analysis system. Want to see the percentage of tea party supporters by gender, age, or race? Simple enough. Questions about using the dataset or RoperExplorer? Just ask Lynda!

It's like Christmas all over again! New American FactFinder

Next Tuesday, January 18 at 2pm the Census Bureau will be unveiling the new and improved American FactFinder. Take a look at the upcoming changes: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/aff2.html.

And you know where I'll be at 2pm!