Task: Produce a table showing demographics of American Community Survey participants (age, race, sex) in each PUMA in a chosen “State” in 2006 of owners vs. renters (tenure) and their education and working environment (private industry, federal, etc.)

START DATAFERRETT

1. DOUBLE-CLICK THE DATAFERRETT ICON ON THE DESKTOP

2. ENTER YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WHEN PROMPTED

NOTE: The DataFerrett Team only uses the email address when returning downloaded data or responding to help messages and on occasion to send out an announcement regarding special notices. It does not give your email address out. Passwords are only necessary and issued to users to access their own data or private data.

The Introduction Tab is the screen you arrive at after you log in. Step 1 and Step 2 are the data application tabs.

The Introduction Screen has the Get Data Now link to go straight into the DataFerrett application. There is also a link to the DataFerrett Discussion Group.

Note: Select the links to access the users’ guide, tutorials, frequently asked questions and other information about using DataFerrett.

STEP1: SELECT DATASET & VARIABLE TAB

1. SELECT THE “STEP 1 SELECT DATASET & VARIABLES” TAB. 2. CLICK ON THE PLUS SIGN NEXT TO THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY FOLDER. 3. CLICK ON THE PLUS SIGN NEXT TO THE PUBLIC USE MICRODATA SAMPLE FOLDER. 4. CLICK THE 2006 BULLET. 5. A DESCRIPTION / VIEW VARIABLES FLY-OUT WILL ALLOW YOU TO CHOOSE THE DATASET DESCRIPTION OR TO VIEW VARIABLES.

View Variables will bring up the topics pertinent to your highlighted dataset.

1. CLICK ON THE POPULATION TOPICS BUTTON.

We will start with the following variables:

ACS AGEP, PUMS AGE, RACEP RACE VARIABLE, AND THE SEX. THESE THREE VARIABLES ARE “POPULATION” TOPICS.

YOU CAN LOOK AT ALL VARIABLES OF ALL TOPICS BY CHECKING SELECT ALL TOPICS.

2. CLICK THE SEARCH VARIABLES BUTTON.

Variables will be returned and listed on the right as seen below.

A variable list appears which includes the following columns: Topic - type of variable. Name - of the variable. Availability - the period of time for when the variable is valid. Variable Label - short description of the variable.

MANAGING THE VARIABLE WINDOW

By clicking on the arrows indicated below, you can open up the list of Datasets pane or click the other arrow and see the full description of the variables.

Clicking in the gray header box you can drag "columns" into view or any order you choose.

Also, by clicking in the gray header box of each "column" you can alphabetize by that column.

The "Availability" column shows a year and a hyphen. If there is another year after the hyphen it means that the variable was available ONLY during those years. If there is no year after the hyphen then the variable is still being asked exactly the same way today.

1. SORT THE NAME COLUMN (CLICK THE NAME COLUMN HEADER) 2. HIGHLIGHT THE AGEP VARIABLE 3. SCROLL DOWN TO THE AND HOLD THE CTRL KEY DOWN AND SELECT RACP AND SEX.

Once you highlight a variable the Browse/Select Highlighted Variables button becomes active.

3. CLICK THE “BROWSE / SELECT HIGHLIGHTED VARIABLES” BUTTON AS SHOWN ABOVE.

Note: As a shortcut you can also double click on a variable to pop up the Browse Variable window.

Selecting the BROWSE/SELECT HIGHLIGHTED VARIABLES button will open a new window that allows you to browse variable descriptions and values for all items that you selected in the Select Dataset & Variables tab. This is also called the Codebook. This window also allows you to select the variables and their values that you want to put into your Data Basket where you can recode, modify, or delete a variable.

1. CHECK THE BOX MARKED SELECT ALL VARIABLES (ACS AGEP, AND THE ACS RAC1P AND ACS SEX WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE SELECTED. 2. IN THE LOWER SECTION, REDEFINE THE AGEP VALUES TO READ 15 TO 65 YEARS OLD. HIGHLIGHT THE 0 AND CHANGE TO 15 AND THEN HIGHLIGHT THE 99 AND CHANGE TO 65. 3. BACK AT THE TOP, SELECT THE RAC1P VARIABLE. THIS CHANGES THE BOTTOM PORTION TO THE SELECTABLE VALUES OF THE RAC1P VARIABLE. 4. THE VALUES WILL ALSO BE SELECTED FOR THE ACS SEX VARIABLE. 5. CLICK OK

You have added 3 variables to your databasket. You have restricted your universe to people aged 15-65, all races and both sexes in this question.

STEP 2: DOWNLOAD / MAKE A TABLE

Let’s make a simple table. Go to Step 2 and look at what we have so far. At the top of your screen you will see the tabs. Select the STEP 2 DOWNLOAD/MAKE A TABLE tab.

The three variables are listed on the left

1. IN STEP 2 CLICK ON THE MAKE A TABLE BUTTON

You will see the following pop-up window. These are directions for making a table. READ AND CLOSE.

To make a simple 2-way table. 2. DRAG THE AGEP VARIABLE TO THE R2,C1 CELL TO DEFINE THE ROWS. PRESS THE LEFT MOUSE BUTTON AND HOLD. The cursor turns into a hand. Point the finger at ROW 2 in the first column (R2, C1) and let go of the mouse button .You will get question ?? marks. 3. DRAG THE RAC1P VARIABLE TO THE R1,C2 CELL (ROW 1, SECOND COLUMN) TO DEFINE THE COLUMNS 4. CLICK THE GO GET DATA BUTTON ON THE MENU BAR

Note: There is no need to do anything about a weight variable, it is automatically included for this variable and applied for ACS PUMS data files. You can get unweighted counts by going to the OPTIONS menu, then select WEIGHTING. 5. TO SAVE THE TABLE CLICK FILE > SAVE AS ON THE MENU BAR. 6. SAVE AS AN HTML, TEXT (TAB DELIMITED OR COMMA DELIMITED), PDF OR FERRETT TABULATION FILE. (WILL SHOW AS A .FTF FILE ) 7. WITH THE MOUSE, NOW SELECT THE SEX VARIABLE AND DRAG IT ONTO THE GRID AND POINT THE FINGER AT THE RAC1P VARIABLE ON THE R1. LET GO OF THE MOUSE 8. CLICK THE GO GET DATA BUTTON

Note: The toolbar has a "Clear Table" button. (Select to start a new table with different variables, yet will still have all the original universe restrictions)

The DATAFERRETT TABULATION screen is a separate window that can be left open or closed. If you wish to add more variables from Step 1, they will show up in your variable list on your tabulation window.

You can always go back to STEP 2 and select the MAKE A TABLE button to create another, separate table.

STEP 2: DATA SHOPPING BASKET

We will now make a recode of the AGEP variable. Back in STEP 2 select the AGEP variable. You will see that on the right column the Act on your Query buttons become active. The first one is RECODE VARIABLE(S). Select Recode Variable(s)

1. IN THE FERRETT MICRODATA RECODE1 WINDOW CHANGE THE RECODE1 TO AGERECODE. 2. WHERE THE WITHIN IN RANGE FROM 17 THROUGH … HIGHLIGHT THE 65 AND CHANGE 65 TO 17.THEN, CLICK THE RECODE BUTTON. 3. PROCEED TO CHANGE THE REST OF THE AGE VALUES AS 18 – 21, 22 – 35, 36 – 45, 46 – 55, & 56 – 65. CLICK THE RECODE BUTTON BELOW AFTER EACH GROUPING. NOTICE THAT IT WILL CHANGE THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN TO WITH CHANGE THE AGE GROUPS. WHEN ALL THE GROUPINGS ARE COMPLETED CLICK THE OK BUTTON

Next we will choose your geography variable (Go Back to STEP 1).

(STEP 1): 1. BACK UNDER THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, PUBLIC USE MICORDATA SELECT THE 2006. ON THE FLY-OUT SELECT -> VIEW VARIABLES ->. SELECTABLE TOPICS : CHECK THE BOX FOR SELECTABLE GEOGRAPHIES AND 2. CLICK ON SEARCH VARIABLES 3. HIGHLIGHT AND DOUBLE CLICK THE -> SELECTABLE GEOGRAPHIES VARIABLE -> FROM THE VARIABLE LIST. 4. HIGHLIGHT PUBLIC USE MICRODATA AREA AND THEN CLICK NEXT BUTTON (AT BOTTOM): 5. THEN HIGHLIGHT THE FIPS STATECODE -> AND HIT NEXT. 6. THE LIST OF STATES WILL APPEAR. HIGHLIGHT CONNECTICUT AND CLICK THE NEXT BUTTON: 7. THIS WILL MOVE THE STATE VARIABLE YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO THE “ST SELECTED” COLUMN TO THE RIGHT IN THE FERRETT GEOGRAPHY CODEBOOK BOX. CLICK NEXT AGAIN. 8. NOW YOU WILL SEE ALL THE PUMA FOR THE STATE LISTED BY THEIR PUMA NUMBER. 9. SELECT ALL AND NEXT AND THIS WILL MOVE ALL THE PUMA TO THE RIGHT IN THE PUMA SELECTED: SELECT NEXT TO CONFIRM. 10. CLICK THE FINISH BUTTON.

You have restricted the universe of all the rest of your query to the state and PUMS chosen.

GO TO STEP 2 AND MAKE NOTE OF THE CHANGES THAT ARE NOW IN THE DATABASKET.

1. SELECT THE MAKE A TABLE BUTTON 2. Drag and drop the GEOG variable to the R2, C1 (rows) and the AgeRecode^? variable to C2, R1 (columns) and hit the Go Get Data button. 3. Now drop the ACS Sex variable on the AgeRecode^? and click the Go Get Data button again. 4. Now drag and drop the ACS SEX variable on top of the RAC1P. Click the Go Get Data button.

Now we can to choose the rest of the demographic variables (Go Back to STEP 1).

1. SELECT THE ACS ->2006 AND ON THEN THE FLYOUT -> VIEW VARIABLES. 2. SELECT POPULATION AND HOUSING VARIABLES. 3. SORT THE RETURNED VARIABLES BY THE HEADING NAME. 4. HOLD THE CTRL KEY ON YOUR KEYBOARD FOR OUR DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES TO SATISFY THE TARGET TASK. SCROLL DOWN UNTIL YOU SEE THE VARIABLE HISP (HISPANIC/NOT HISPANIC). CONTINUE HOLDING DOWN THE CONTROL KEY AND SCROLL TO SELECT REL (RELATIONSHIP TO REFERENCE PERSON), SCHL (EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT), TEN (TENURE), AND WKEXREL (WORK EXPERIENCE OF HOUSEHOLDER AND SPOUSE). 5. CLICK THE “BROWSE / SELECT HIGHLIGHTED VARIABLES” BUTTON. 6. CHECK THE BOX MARKED SELECT ALL VARIABLES

Note: Check Select if you want to add only one variable to your Data Basket, check the Select ALL Variables box if you want to keep all the variables and their respective values in your list.

7. CLICK OK

You will get a message that you have added variables to your databasket.

In Step 2 this is what you should have in your databasket now.

In Step 2 again, select the HISP variable and create a new recoded variable with Hispanic / Not Hispanic values.

1. CONTINUING IN STEP 2: HIGHLIGHT THE HISP VARIABLE AND SELECT RECODE VARIABLE(S). 2. CHANGE RECODE2 TO READ HISPANIC/NOT HISPANIC. SELECT THE NOT SPANISH/HISPANIC/LATINO AS VALUE 1 -> RECODE; ALL THE REMAINING VALUES CAN BE COLLAPSED AS THE SECOND VALUE, SELECT RECODE. HIGHLIGHT THE NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED AND CHANGE THE LABEL OF VALUE2 TO SPANISH/HISPANIC/LATINO. WHEN YOU CHANGE THE LABEL NAME, YOU MUST HIT THE ENTER KEY TO “LOCK” THE NEW NAME. THEN CLICK OK.

On your own: Select the variable TEN (Tenure) from your databasket (still in Step 2) and create a Owner/NotOwnerRecode.

Other DataBasket^? FunctionsDelete^? Variable(s)This function allows you to remove variable(s) from the Data Basket. Highlight the variable(s) you want to delete and click "Delete Variable(s)" button.Modify Variable(s)Modify will open the Browse Variables window again and you can change values that were previously selected.Advanced SQL OptionThis^? function allows you to see the SQL routine that will be used to run your query. Advanced SQL opens the Advanced sql options to change clauses and add conditions in an SQL-like syntax.Save Selected Variable(s) CodebookThis^? allows you to save the documentation for the variables in your Data Basket to an ascii text or html file. The documentation includes the variable name, label and value descriptions.

To make a Map from the same data.

1. SELECTABLE GEOGRAPHY DATA VARIABLES WILL ALLOW YOU TO CREATE A MAP. USING THE TABLE WE JUST MADE HIGHLIGHT JUST THE COLUMN WITH PUMA NUMBERS (NOT THE TOTAL, NOT THE PUMA #). 2. SELECT THE MAP BUTTON TO CREATE A MAP.

The Ferrett Map can be saved as a .jpg and inserted into a document. The map may also be printed, sized, and include other special map features, depending on the data associated with the dataset. Intervals may be changed, as well as changing the legends type and the class size.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Make a Graph Selecting data cells of your table will allow you to create a graph of your data, with title and exporting capabilities. Highlight the desired rows and columns you wish to graph (not including the variable names) and press the button.

Change the type of graph by clicking on the graph drop down menu and choosing the desired type of the graph. By clicking on the Title button on the graph screen, you will then be prompted to enter a title for the graph.

Adding a new Variable into the Graph: To add a new variable go back to the Select Database & Variables tab and find a new variable. Add that variable to your pre-existing Data Basket. Then add the new variable to your table and re-graph the old data along with the new variable.

Saving a Graph: When saving a graph you can either choose to save it as a .graph file or you can export it as a .jpeg file. To save the file with a .graph extension click on the disk icon and specify the area to where you wish to save to. To export the graph as a .jpeg file, simply click on the export button and specify the area to which to save to.

Printing a Graph: Click on the print icon to print the graph to a connected printer.

Map Options

Saving a Map: You can save a map as a .jpeg file. To save the map, select File – Save As… from the menu.

Resizing: If you want a smaller map, select View – Map Size… from the menu. Change the width and height pixels and then hit the OK button.

Changing the Legend

Categories: The default number of data groups (colors) in a map legend is seven. You can change it to any number between three and nine. Select View – Legends – Legend Classes… Enter the number of groups you would like.

Colors/schemes: The default color and scheme of the map is a sequential green style. You have the choice of three different data schemes: sequential, diverging, and qualitative. Within each scheme you have a choice of three different color schemes. Select View – Legends – Legend Types.

Custom Categories: The ranges for each category are created by default by evenly distributing the groups between the minimum and maximum values. Sometimes there are outliers that severely affect the thematic map. You can create your own ranges (intervals) for the color groups if you wish. To do so, first select the number of groups you want as described above. Then, select View – Intervals… and a window like this appears:

You can then change the minimum and maximum values for each range.

Adding Layers: You can add layers, such as highways and water if you like. Select View – Layers and select the layer you would like to add. You can add more than one layer to a map.

-- MarianneThrift - 24 Sep 2008