Combining multiple years of ATUS dataMulti-year microdata files that combine 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 ATUS microdata are now available. Because of changes to ATUS methods from 2003 to 2007, these multi-year files are not identical to what would be produced by simply combining single years of ATUS data. The following pieces of documentation provide more information about the variables and activity codes appearing on the multi-year microdata files: the multi-year ATUS-CPS data dictionary (PDF), the multi-year ATUS Interview data dictionary (PDF), and the multi-year ATUS Activity Coding Lexicon (PDF). Researchers not wishing to use the multi-year files, and preferring instead to combine single-year ATUS microdata must be aware of changes to ATUS survey methods from 2003 to 2007. This page includes links to resources 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 methodsChanges to the ATUS Coding Lexicons
Changes to the ATUS weighting methodThere 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)
Combining 2003 through 2005 data files (or any combination of files from these years)
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: January 30, 2009 |
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