Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How Researchers Use DDI

Why DDI?

DDI helps researchers document and find data in a structured way, ensuring better reproducibility and transparency.

How DDI Helps Researchers

  • Makes Data Easier to Find: Many repositories use DDI to document data, making it easier to search for datasets, including by topic, methodology, time period, geographic coverage, and more.
  • Makes Data Easier to Reuse: Structured DDI metadata makes it easier to understand the context, methodology, and variables used in the original study.  Well-documented datasets using DDI ensure that research can be verified and reused.
  • Improves Data Integration and Interoperability: DDI's structured metadata facilitates interoperability by providing standardized descriptions of variables, methodologies, and data collection processes.  This allows researchers to more easily compare, merge, and analyze data across different studies, disciplines, and repositories.
  • Ensures Data Quality and Compliance: DDI helps ensure metadata completeness and accuracy, supports adherence to data management policies and FAIR principles, and improves the reliability and reproducibility of research data.
  • Preserves Data for Future Use: Data has long-term value beyond the initial research project.  Using DDI to document data ensures they remain understandable and usable decades later. 

How to Get Started

  1. Find Data -- Search for datasets in trusted repositories that use DDI metadata standards, such as CESSDA, ICPSR, and others.  Exploring these collections can help you discover well-documented data relevant to your research.
  2. Document Your Own Data -- Use DDI tools to create detailed metadata for your datasets.  This ensures your data are well described, easier to share, and reusable in the future.
  3. Learn About DDI -- Explore training materials to understand the basics of DDI and how it supports data documentation and reuse.
  4. Engage with the Community -- Join mailing lists to connect with other researchers and data managers using DDI, sharing best practices and solutions.