Dataset Discovery

When to Use

• User asks "find me data about X" or "where can I get data on Y"
• User wants to analyze a relationship between variables
• User needs specific study designs (longitudinal, cross-sectional, experimental)
• User asks about specific surveys or cohorts

Step 1: Understand What the Research Question Requires

Before searching, determine the minimum data requirements:

Study design needed:

• "Does X predict CHANGES in Y over time?" → longitudinal (same people measured repeatedly). Cross-sectional data CANNOT answer this — don't settle for it.
• "Is X associated with Y?" → cross-sectional is sufficient (one-time measurement)
• "Does intervention X cause outcome Y?" → experimental (clinical trial with controls)
• "What genes/proteins are involved in X?" → omics (sequencing, expression, proteomics)