CHL Data FAQ
What should I do prior to submitting a research request?
Please refer to the CHL Data Request Process to gather all necessary information and documents prior to completing our Data Request Application.
Where do I find the Research Request Form and other documents I need to submit with my Research Request Application?
You can find all necessary forms and resources in the right-hand sidebar of the data request page. This sidebar is viewable from all subpages of CHL Data.
What CITI training certificates do I need to submit?
1. Human Subjects Research (HSR) – Non-exempt Social & Behavioral Sciences Researchers and Key Personnel
2. Information Privacy Security (IPS) – Non-exempt Social & Behavioral Sciences Researchers and Key Personnel IPS
3. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course – Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research
Do I need to submit a research request if I do not need data?
Yes, any research or presentations using CHL-related approaches, methods, or qualitative information needs to be reviewed by the PSC and tracked for grant purposes.
Is there a fee for a research request?
Yes, CHL charges a fee for approved data requests. Please see CHL Data Center Support Cost Guide. A fee waiver request can be submitted with your data request but is subject to PSC approval.
I am thinking about using CHL Data for my research but want to know if I will have enough power or sample size. Do I need to submit a data request?
No, you can submit a Data Inquiry for sample size on specific variables.
I am a student, could I use CHL Data for my thesis/dissertation?
Yes, please see Data Request Guide for Students.
How do I know if the topic I am considering has been approved by someone else?
Please see “Approved Research Topics”.
Do I need approval for a preliminary data request (eg. Counts or percentages) for a specific variable(s)?
Please submit a Data Inquiry. If you will be using the information in published work, please submit a Research Request and select “Preliminary Data Analysis”. The request will be documented but will not need to go through PSC approval.
I have an approved research request but would like to revise it. Do I need to submit another data request?
You can submit a Data Request Modification. On page 3 of the Research Request Form, select “Modify an existing request” then answer the following questions.
I have an approved research request and need additional variables. Do I need to submit another data request?
If there are no changes to the approved abstract or research question, you can submit a Data Request Modification. On page 3 of the Research Request Form, select “Modify an existing request” then answer the following questions.
Where can I find the variables in the CHL dataset?
Please see the Individual Data Dictionary, CAT Data Dictionary, and CHL Codebook for the list of variables for various datasets.
Can I request variables from multiple datasets?
Yes, please fill out the CHL Codebook and select variables in each dataset you are interested in.
I have a question about the CHL study design. Do I submit a data inquiry?
Please see the CHL Study Design document. If you have additional questions, please submit a data inquiry.
What is the difference between individual and community-level data?
Please see CHL Multilevel Data Chart, CHL Study Design, and CHL CAT Study Design documents.
I have an urgent deadline. How do I rush the data request process?
Submit a Data Request as soon as possible and indicate your deadline in the Data Request Form. The Data Request process takes 6-8 weeks. The Data Center cannot promise to meet your urgent deadline but will take it into consideration. Please try to submit your request 2-3 months in advance, especially if you are a student with a semester deadline.
Why does the data request process take so long?
CHL Data consists of human data that must be handled sensitively. The CHL PSC requires all data requests to meet research requirements, prevent duplicate topics, track datasets, and uphold a code of ethics.
Why do I need to include CHL co-authors in my research?
The CHL study was conducted in 11 jurisdictions with multiple investigators/researchers that designed the study, collected/maintain the data, and provide expertise in their field of work. CHL co-authors take responsibility of the complex study design, data, and assist in manuscript writing.