D2K, PEALS, Newcastle University

Social Studies Resource

Social Studies Resource

Details of available data in the social studies resource are outlined by the UK Data Service or can be found in the Online Data Dictionary.

There are over 16,000 NCDS variables in the nine full sweeps (plus the exams data).   The online data dictionary is a searchable database containing a ‘record’ for every variable in all the main sweeps since birth. It is structured to reflect the data collection by subject within questionnaire / instrument and is also searchable using free text search.  The exact question wording corresponding to each variable is shown, and you can get frequency counts for each value.

Active guidance on the availability and use of these data is provided by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), contactable at clsfeedback@ioe.ac.uk.

Application and Access

The social studies resource is available for controlled public access via the UK Data Service.   Access is supervised by CLS under authority of the METADAC, and any requests that are not straightforward will be referred the METADAC to discuss and adjudicate.

  • The social studies resource data can be accessed by registering with the UK Data Service, University of Essex. Registration involves the Athens Authentication System. If users are attached to an academic institution in the UK, they will already have an Athens user account and their ID and password for that can be used to register.
  • Registered users are able to download data upon agreement to the access conditions specified in an end user licence and upon registration of usage details.
  • Particularly sensitive or disclosive data – such as fine level geography – are only available under a special licence. This imposes restrictions on the handling and usage of the data, and enables identification, oversight and audit of those using the data. Versions of the datasets that require such a clearance are marked as ‘special licence’ datasets. CLS manages access to data via special licence and provides advice on obtaining and completing the required access forms which are provided by UK Data Service.
  • All applications are reported to the Centre for Longitudinal Studies Strategic Advisory Board (CLS SAB).

If you have any enquiries regarding application for access to the social studies resource please contact CLS at feedback@cls.ioe.ac.uk