Combining multiple years of ATUS data

Researchers planning to combine multiple years of ATUS microdata must be aware of changes to ATUS survey methods from 2003 to 2007. This page includes links to resources that that will assist researchers when determining how to create multi-year ATUS data sets and provides guidance about which population weighting variables are comparable between years.

Overview of changes to the ATUS survey methods

• Changes between the 2003 to 2007 Data Files (PDF)

Changes to the ATUS Coding Lexicons

• Differences between the ATUS 2003 to 2007 Coding Lexicons (PDF)
• Method for combining activity codes that changed from 2003 to 2007 (PDF)

Changes to the ATUS weighting method

There were no changes in the method used to generate statistical weights (the variable TUFINLWGT) on the ATUS data files from 2006 to 2007. However, the method used to generate the weighting variable TUFINLWGT on the ATUS files changed each year from 2003 to 2006. Thus, researchers who create multi-year data sets should not use the weighting variable TUFINLWGT for all years.

Valid weights for various combinations of years

Combining 2003 through 2007 data files (or any combination of files from these years)

• 2003 through 2005: use TU06FWGT
• 2006 and 2007: use TUFINLWGT

Combining 2003 through 2005 data files (or any combination of files from these years)

• 2003 through 2005: use TU06FWGT

OR

• 2003: use TU04FWGT
• 2004 and 2005: use TUFINLWGT

For more information about ATUS population weights, why researchers should use them, and details about how the ATUS weighting method changed from 2003 to 2007, please see the ATUS User's Guide (PDF).

 

Last Modified Date: August 4, 2008