Codebook Preview

Codebook Preview provides detailed information about each variable. The Codebook tab provides the same information and also allows you to move from question to question within the codebook.

In a variable list (either in the Variable Search tab or the Review Selected Variables tab), you can move your mouse pointer to hover over the RNUM or question name of a variable. The codebook page will then show in a small pop-up window named the “Codebook Preview” (as shown below for an NLSY97 variable that describes highest degree received).

The codebook page contains the following key information for the variable:

• RNUM: Reference number, a unique code identifying the variable.
• Question name: A code which links the variable to the questionnaire. Question names remain the same for the same variables across survey rounds.
• Variable title
• Survey year
• Question text
• Coding information
• Frequency distribution
• Valid value range
• Universe information
• Questionnaire and other documentation links
• Any special notes to assist in the accurate use of data