Understanding America Study

Intro and Overview

The Understanding America Study consists of survey research modules designed by research teams from around the world fielded by the University of Southern California. There are public use data files providing access to outside researchers. Respondents are a panel of approximately 8,500 respondent households that is representative of the entire US. Respondents answer surveys online only (it's an "internet panel"). This survey currently includes data from Coronavirus modules.

The UAS is based on the Health and Retirement project at University of Michigan, but it includes surveys of all persons, not just those aged 50 and older. The first wave was collected in 2014 and waves of core content continue every two years.

Tips for Getting Started

Consider beginning with the UAS Comprehensive File Links to an external site., which merges data from many of the core surveys. Data are collected every two years and it includes information about financial literacy, subjective well-being, health, and retirement. There is also information about knowledge of Social Security rules.

Key Advantages

Longitudinal
Rapid release of highly topical content.
Relationship with the HRS.

Key Disadvantages

Internet only may lead to systematic bias.
Smaller sample size precludes spatial analyses or studies of small populations.

Papers Using these Data

A full bibliography of academic papers is available here. Links to an external site.