Data & Statistics Resources
Dataset: GSS - General Social Surveys
Access Data: Available through ICPSR- Search by Study No. "4295"
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Description: GSS are designed as part of a program of social indicator research, replicating questionnaire items and wording in order to facilitate time-trend studies. This collection is a cumulative dataset that merges all data collected as part of the General Social Surveys from 1972 to the present. Among the new items added for the 2002 surveys are:
- topical modules on prejudice
- doctors and patients
- quality of working life
- employee compensation
- altruism
- adult transitions
- and mental health.
Also included are crossnational modules, conducted under the aegis of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP), on:
- the role of government
- social support and equality
- family and gender
- national identity
- religion
- the environment
- work
Time period: 1972-2002 (updated annually)
For more details, see below.
Principal Investigators
Davis, James A., National Opinion Research Center; Smith, Tom W., National Opinion Research Center; Marsden, Peter V., Harvard University
Data Format and File Storage
LRECL with SPSS data definition statements, and SPSS portable file
Source of Data
Personal interviews
Bibliographic Citation
Davis, James A., Tom W. Smith, and Peter V. Marsden. GENERAL SOCIAL SURVEYS, 1972-2002: [CUMULATIVE FILE] [Computer file]. 2nd ICPSR version. Chicago, IL: National Opinion Research Center [producer], 2003. Storrs, CT: Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, University of Connecticut/Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributors], 2003.