Access to the ReGES data

To ensure maximum flexibility, there are three options for accessing the Scienfic-Use-Files (SUF) containing the ReGES data. These access options differ in terms of the degree of anonymization or the availability of sensitive information as well as the associated data security provisions. A mandatory prerequisite for access to the data is the conclusion of a Data Use Agreement with the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories.

Data releases

Each new version of a SUF expands and updates the data already available for the respective ReGES cohort (cumulative releases). Accordingly, the current Scientific Use Files replace the previous data releases. As a rule, this strategy suggests the use of the current version. Older SUF versions are archived and can still be retrieved from this website along with the respective documentation materials.

Digital Object Identifier

All SUF versions are uniquely identified by a centrally registered and persistent Digital Object Identifier (DOI). This identifier is used in particular for the required data citation. The version number integrated at the end provides information about:

• 1st digit: number of Scientific Use Files published so far for the respective cohort (not survey waves!)
• 2nd digit: number of major updates within a major SUF release with potential impact on analysis findings
• 3rd digit: number of minor updates within a major SUF release with no impact on analysis findings