NLSY97

In the round 1 series of questions on time use, respondents born in 1982, 1983, or 1984 assessed the amount of time in a typical week that they spent doing homework (if enrolled), taking extra classes or lessons, watching TV, and reading for pleasure. Youths born in 1980 who were not enrolled or employed were asked about the time they usually woke up, whether they went to any place on a regular basis, and the times that they left for and returned from that place.

NLSY97 respondents in select years shared their beliefs about events that might occur in their future. In addition, responding parents in round 1 provided corresponding expectations about the youth respondent's future, so researchers may be able to compare parent and child perceptions for that round.

Information has been gathered on NLSY97 respondents' attitudes, expectations of the future, non-cognitive tests, and activities such as weekly activities, political and community participation, and computer use. Table 1 summarizes the NLSY97 topics available in this section.

The NLSY97 survey collects a large amount of detailed information on the income of respondents, including income from participation in government transfer programs for low-income individuals and families. At particular ages, or after achieving independence status in earlier rounds, youths also answer questions on their assets and debts.

Beginning in the round 5 Youth Questionnaire, female respondents who had children (biological, adopted, and step-) were asked a series of questions on child care (see questions beginning with YCCA). [Note: For round 5, respondents were asked about children who were under 13 years old; the age restriction to under age 7 begins in 2004 (round 8)] Respondents who were mothers also reported on the number of hours they were in school, work, or training or traveling to one of these.