ABSTRACT
I. DATA-GATHERING RESOURCES Before one can search for data, the researcher must have a clear concept of his or her question or problem. Refining one's search for data may involve identifying the intended use of the data. It may be helpful to sketch out the data tables one hopes to incorporate in a dissertation or other research project. From such mock-up tables, or from circle-and-arrow diagrams of the causal relationships being modeled, the researcher may be able to "work backward" to define the variables that in turn define the datasets that are needed.
