[Embargo] VSA 2026 (tssq26_1)

Our Community Norms as well as good scientific practices expect that proper credit is given via citation. Please use the data citation shown on the dataset page.

Custom Dataset Terms — the following Custom Dataset Terms have been defined for this dataset.

§ 1 Subject

(1) TSS collects the requested data from the panel for the purpose described in the Applicant's application. TSS provides the Applicant with access to this data via the Data Archive upon signing the data use agreement. Changes to this application and contract are only accepted and valid in written form. Any other form of notification, including e-mail or fax, is not sufficient and will not be accepted.
§ 2 Purpose of data collection and ownership

(1) TSS makes the collected data exclusively available to the named Applicant for a period of one year. After this period, the scientific use file becomes publicly available to the research community.

(2) The Applicant has the right to use the collected data for their own research purposes, but TSS retains ownership of the data at all times.

(3) The requested data can be used exclusively for the purpose of scientific research within the scope of the research project as described in the application. Processing and/or usage for commercial or other economic purposes are expressly prohibited.

(4) The Applicant agrees that all personal data provided by him/her for the purpose of fulfilling the contract will be saved by TSS.

(5) The scientific use files may not be transferred to any third party other than the Applicant, unless they are being used for conducting student theses or a course. In such cases, the Applicant (supervisor or lecturer) must ensure that all students working with the data sign the non-disclosure agreement located on the final page of this document. (6) The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that they are obligated to adhere to all deadlines established by TSS Survey Management. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in the survey not being carried out. TSS Survey Management will not be held responsible for any incomplete or missing data as a result of such non-compliance. TSS Survey Management reserves the right to modify deadlines as necessary and will communicate any changes in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of The Applicant to stay informed about and meet all specified deadlines.
 
§ 3 Period of usage rights
(1) Upon signing the data use agreement with the Data Archive, the Applicant is granted access to the Data Archive for a period of two consecutive years. After this two-year period, the Applicant will be required to renew the data use agreement when trying to log in to the Data Archive.

(2) All transmitted data, particularly backups, extract files and help files are to be deleted upon termination of this agreement (see §7).

(3) TSS reserves the right to cancel or rescind processing and usage rights at any time.
§ 4 Re-identification
(1) The Applicant agrees to refrain from and is prohibited from any and all action aimed at, or capable of, disclosure of any pseudonymized or anonymized statistical information included in the data. Combining the data to which rights have been granted with other data for the purpose of identifying respondents is strictly forbidden.

(2) The presentation or publication of individual cases, even without any direct references to persons is prohibited. Summarizing representations of the data typical to scientific works and presentations are allowed.
§ 5 Data security concept
(1) The Applicant is responsible for ensuring via technical and organizational measures that only the Applicant receives access to the scientific use files.

(2) The applicant agrees to comply with the regulations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and assures that no third party has access to the data by using appropriate technical and organizational precautions.
§ 6 Publications
(1) The Applicant is obligated to cite TSS as a reference source in the event that publications or other works (for example, Master’s thesis, working papers, etc.) use the collected TSS data. The Applicant is also required to cite the correct version of the scientific use files used for all of these works. Appropriate guidelines for data citation and data documentation can be found on the TSS website.

(2) The scientific use files are not to be made available in the context of “enhanced publications” (i.e. e-publications with links to data, models, algorithms, etc.); the only exception is with expressed written consent from TSS.
 
§ 7 Deletion of data
The Applicant is obligated to ensure that the scientific use files made available, specifically including all backup copies, backups, modified copies, extract files and help files, are deleted from all data processing medium and storage at the time the processing and usage rights granted in the data use agreement expire, unless the Applicant renews the data use agreement.
§ 8 Breach of contract
(1) The Applicant must promptly notify TSS of any breach of the contractual obligations. Such breaches include, but are not limited to:

• Processing or usage of data for purposes other than the research project according to that given in section 2 of this contract
• Lack of or inadequate information regarding the data source in publications
• Re-identification of individuals
• Sharing data or data extracts with third parties without authorization
• Unauthorized access to the data, even if this occurs via a lapse in IT security
• Non-compliance with required standards for secure data storage and processing
• Dissemination of personal access passwords
• Not ensuring that students sign the non-disclosure statement

(1) The Applicant is liable for all damages to TSS and the Data Archive arising from actions not in accordance with the terms and conditions, improper or incorrect handling in the context of access to the data made available and releases TSS and the Data Archive from any and all claims of liability or damages from third parties.

(2) In the event of breach of any of the obligations listed in § 8 (1) TSS may resort, depending upon circumstance and severity of the instance to one or more of the following measures: The Applicant will be required to immediately delete the scientific use files, including all backups, extract files and help files; the Applicant will at this time also be barred from access to the Data Archive and services offered by TSS for a limited time period or permanently.

§ 9 Warranty and liability of TSS
(1) Nor TSS nor the Data Archive are liable to the Applicant for loss or damages, of any kind, in connection with data subject to the contract or consequences or recommendations where applicable contained in the data transferred. The Applicant herewith acknowledges that he/she is solely responsible for the outcome of measures resultant of the received data or as a consequence of his/her interpretation of the received data.

(2) Neither TSS as the data provider nor the Data Archive are in any way responsible for analyses or interpretations of the data provided.

(3) TSS commits itself to carry out the data preparation, pseudonymization, and provision of the TSS scientific use files with common and adequate care, without assuming any guarantee for the faultless condition of the scientific use files.

(4) Should any individual clauses of the contract be deemed invalid or inapplicable, the remainder of the contract remains intact and legally unaffected.

The collected data are stored in this Dataverse with strictly restricted access.
Only the designated commissioners and authorized members of their research team can access the files during the one‑year embargo period.
No other Dataverse users or visitors can view, request, or download the dataset during this period.

After the embargo expires, the scientific use files will be made available to the wider research community through this Dataverse under an appropriate license.