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Custom Weights for the NLSY97

The NLSY97 is a complex longitudinal survey comprised of multiple nationally representative samples. Because of this complexity the NLS staff creates a set of cross-sectional weights for each survey round. Using these weights provides a simple method for users to correct the raw data for the complex survey design in a particular year. If you are using data from just one survey year, the weight series provides an accurate adjustment.

If you are using data from multiple survey years no single set of survey weights provides an accurate adjustment. However, using this page can help you create a custom set of survey weights which adjust both for the complex survey design and for using data from multiple years. For additional information, please visit the Custom Weighting Program Documentation page.

Download weights by survey year or respondent ID

  1. Click on Weight Years or Weight IDs to create your custom weight set and follow the instructions within the corresponding tab.
    • Note: by selecting Weight Years, you are giving up the ability to manually enter ID's. Similarly, by choosing the Weight IDs option, you are giving up the ability to select years.
  2. Once you have selected the years or entered the IDs, click the download button.
I am using data from the following years and would like to combine the weights where:
Select one or more years:
YEARS-FILLED-IN-WITH-JQUERY

Example Custom Weights Output

Custom Weights have 2 implied decimal places.
(i.e., 130793 means the respondent represents 1,307.93 people)

ID     Custom Weight
--------------------
1                  0
2             130793
3             200122
.                  .
n             143589

Additional weighting information is located on the NLSY97 Sample Weights and Design Effects page.