NLSY79

There are six types of variables present in the NLSY79 data. Some are the raw answers provided by the respondent, while others are constructed. Types of variables include:

The primary variables found within the main data set are derived directly from survey instruments, such as questionnaires, household interview forms, and so forth. This section describes each of the NLSY79 instruments in the order that they appear within Table 1. It also explains the conventions used in the NLSY79 documentation system to identify questionnaire items from some of the primary survey instruments.

Retention vs. Response Rate

The NLS program has established set procedures for ensuring respondent confidentiality and obtaining informed consent. These procedures comply with Federal law and the policies and guidelines of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Interview Methods and Target Universe
• Interview Schedule and Fielding Periods

Interview Methods and Target Universe

• Sampling Procedures
• Screening Procedures
• Sampling Process
• Multiple Respondent Households

Sampling Procedures

Official Title. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), part of the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS) program

Age of cohort. Born between 1957 and 1964. At the time of first interview, respondents' ages ranged from 14 to 22. The respondents were 53 to 62 at the time of their 2018 interviews (the most recent survey year).

Number of respondents in survey. 12,686 individuals initially interviewed in 1979.