Monday, October 1, 2018

Clarification on GSS PUMF Cycle 30 Update

Question:
I have a question about this new data release.


If the ASCII data hasn’t changed, nor the SAS, SPSS and Stata code which are presumably used to generate the .sas7bdat, .sav and .dta files, how are the new files different from the old? Is there a changelog available so that users of these files can see any differences?

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Data Release Info
Please note that the GSS PUMF Cycle 30 was updated. The update is only applicable to the English SPSS, SAS, and STATA data files.

The two primary objectives of the General Social Survey (GSS) are to gather data on social trends in order to monitor changes in the living conditions and well being of Canadians over time; and to provide information on specific social policy issues of current or emerging interest. 

The mandate of the GSS "Canadians at Work and Home" is to explore people's views about work, home, leisure and well-being, and the relationships between these. Data from this survey will help decision makers select the programs and policies that will best serve Canadians.

EFT: /MAD_PUMF_FMGD_DAM/Root/5221_GSS-CWH_ESG-CTM/cycle30-2016/

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you.
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Answer:

The re-issue was due to issues with the programs that we were using the stage the data that resulted in certain variables in the English datasets being marked as system missing rather than valid frequencies.

Historically we haven't provided a changelog detailing these items, but I'll bring up the idea of a changelog to the rest of the DLI team to see if we can include one for future releases. Thank you for the idea!