Find Data for Analysis

The best way to get help is by contacting datahelp@gmu.edu. All of our staff members are familiar with different aspects of locating and using data. Send your question and you will be put in touch with the right person.

Data & Digital Scholarship Services (DDSS) Guides: Check out our guides on SPSS, Stata, R, Working with Data, and more. DDSS schedules drop-in workshops for the fall and spring semesters. We also schedule workshops for small groups by request. See our workshops page for details.

How do I unzip or uncompress a file?

Files are compressed, or zipped, to save storage space and/or to bundle several files together.  

Instructions on how to unzip files:

• Windows:

  • Open File Explorer and find the compressed folder.

  • To unzip the entire folder, right-click to select Extract All, and then follow the instructions.

  • Even though you can see the contents of the .zip file, you must unzip the file before you can open and use the individual files in the archive.

• Mac:  Double-click the .zip file.