How to Access Data

Step 1: Data Sharing Application

To access data, first review the Study Descriptions, data forms, and data dictionaries for the particular study of interest.  Decide which variables you would like to request and complete a data sharing application.  Save the application on your computer, complete it in Microsoft Word (2002 or later) and attach it to an e-mail message to Dr. Daly (dalyx002@umn.edu).  Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified when it is approved.

Step 2: Data Agreements

After your request is approved, download, complete and sign a data use agreement.  If you are requesting a limited data set, an addendum will also need to be submitted.  For de-identified data, download, complete and sign a data distribution agreement.

What to submit?

Limited Data Set

• Data Use Agreement

• Addendum

De-identfied Data

• Data Distribution Agreement

All agreements should be signed, dated, and mailed to Dr. Daly (Contact Us).

Step 3: IRB Documentation

Before the data are released, you must provide an approval letter from your Institutional Review Board (IRB) for secondary data analyses on the dataset you have requested. This should require only an exempt or expedited IRB review. 

Fax or mail the IRB approval letter to Dr. Daly. When the letter and signed data agreements are received, Mr. Lindgren will contact you to finalize the details of the data transfer. 

For questions about the variables or the study, you can contact Dr. Daly.  For questions about data format, contact Mr. Lindgren. (Contact Us)