Combining multiple years of ATUS data
Multi-year microdata files that combine several years of ATUS microdata are available for 2003-2009 and for 2003-2010.
Because of changes to ATUS methods from 2003 to 2010, these multi-year files are not identical to what would be produced by simply
combining single years of ATUS data. Multi-year microdata files for 2003-11 are forthcoming.
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 2010. 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 methods
Changes to the ATUS Coding Lexicons
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 2011. 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 2011 data files (or any combination of files from these years)
- 2003 through 2005: use TU06FWGT
- 2006 through 2011: 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 2011, please see the
ATUS User's Guide (PDF).
Last Modified Date: June 22, 2012
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