On this tab DataFerret provides several useful links. These links go to sites that provide access to useful documentation, community forums and precreated example tables that you can modify. This is an opportunity for users and subject matter experts to interact the using data.
The Step 1 Tab is the starting point of using DataFerrett data (microdata, aggregate, time series or longitudinal). Here you can search for topics/variables or select the dataset you wish to use. Pull up interesting variables, click to review the data dictionary codebook definition and select values to filter or to restrict a universe for analysis.
Note: you can go back to the Step1 tab at any time to add more variables.
The DataBasket is where you collect and manipulate the data you have selected. Clicking Step2 tab the databasket will list the variables you have chosen to keep for analysis. By highlighting a variable(s) you will be able to create new variables as a function of others, recode a single variable, delete variables or merge datasets. Remember if you forget a variable, you can always go back to the Step1 tab to add it.
A spreadsheet will appear with the variables from the databasket. Simply drag into the first column or row of the spreadsheet the variables you want to tabulate. Afer laying out the variables exactly the way you want them to appear click the get data button to get your tabulation.
To change the varible values available, click on it and the data dictionary codebook will reappear.
Use spreadsheet math to create new aggregate variables. Simply use the formula bar to add/subtract/divide etc. columns (C1..Cn) or rows (R1..Rn) create new rows or columns. You can create multiple ranking variables, and use simple "if then else" logic to create new row or column variables if desired.
Many formating options are available for this quick tab facility. (more details)
Remember if you forget a variable, you can always go back to the Step1 tab to add more variables.
Highlight the column(s) or row(s) like you would in excel and then select the type of graph you want.
Create a map by highlighting the columns or rows you want to map. Multiple maps can be created and compared . (more details)
Many data users use other software to work with data. DataFerrett has incorporated the capability to download into several formats as well as maintaining some of the data on the DataFerrett FTP site. Chapter 11 discusses the Download capabilities of DataFerrett