Scottish Longitudinal Study
Development & Support Unit
Data Dictionary OLD
NEW – beta version now available to try
We are very pleased to announce the Beta version of our new data dictionary interface! This new improved system contains full variable information, advanced search options, plus the ability to save your own variable lists between sessions and download them for use when completing your application form.
The new dictionary also contains ‘similarity scores’ to help researchers wishing to use more than one LS for their project. At present these scores are available for 2001, and other census points will be added as the work progresses.
We would be very pleased to hear your thoughts on the new interface and any suggestions or requests you would like us to consider. If you register an account on the system, your login details and any saved projects will be carried across to the full version when it launches in January 2015.
Click here to try out the Beta version of the NEW Data Dictionary
Old Data Dictionary
To continue with the existing search interface during the Beta period, use the link below. This provides information on the variables held in the SLS database, but not those that are added on a project by project basis (eg NHS data).
It is possible to search for words or parts of words in the variable description, browse through a list of tables held in the database, or view all the variables in an alphabetical list. We encourage you to explore these options to help you learn more about SLS data.
It should be noted that searches within the variable description box will not interrogate categories within a variable, only its description. So, for example, a search for ‘economic activity’ would find ‘ALWEEK9’ which contains categories relating to unemployed people, whereas a search for ‘unemployed’ would not find this variable. We recommend trying various keywords to help you find the variables you need. The helpdesk or your Support Officer can also offer assistance.
A helpful introduction to the data dictionary can be downloaded here. (PDF 4.2MB)
