http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
using multiple sources to create a quantitative comparison of the role of state differences in campaign finance
State comparisons can provide rich analysis for understanding state differences and the impact these have on campaigns, particularly at the state level. Yet often the data necessary to provide a full and robust quantitative analysis cannot be located in one universal source and instead come from many resources, each using slightly different methods and metrics. Gathering secondary data that employ different observed units (data on the county level, the state level, and state legislative district level, for example) is only the first task; coding it to ensure both accuracy and proper application can prove to be a tedious methodological challenge. This case study focuses on the challenges of multi-state, multi-source data collection for an original dataset and analysis for quantitative resource, specifically in campaign finance. In addition, it offers helpful guidelines and recommendations for those pursuing research that involves creating a unique data set with different units of observation from the initial sources.
Includes bibliographical references and index.