NORC-GSS cumulative data files [United States]

The General Social Surveys (GSS) were designed as part of a data diffusion project in 1972. The GSS replicated questionnaire items and wording in order to facilitate time-trend studies. This data collection includes a cumulative file that merges all 26 General Social Surveys into a single file. 

Alternative title
General social survey cumulative data filess [United States]
Series title
General social survey
Data creator

National Opinion Research Center (NORC)

Rev. by Roper Center for Public Opinion Research

Distributor
Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
Geography
Geographic coverage

United States, census region

Time period
1972-2008
Periodicity
Biennial
Collector

Davis, James A., Tom W. Smith and Peter V. Marsden

Universe
All non-institutionalized, English- and Spanish-speaking persons 18 years of age or older, living in the United States.
Unit of observation
Individual
Notes

This is a collection of CD-ROMs containing different editions of the cumulative data files. They can be consulted in person in the Map & Data Library.

The Roper Center versions differ in several ways from the original version supplied by NORC. During the archival process, systematic changes have been made to the data files for completeness. These changes include additions and corrections to response labeling, and inclusion of "don't know" responses as valid. Additionally, since a number of variables differ and new variables have been added to the cumulative data file, the codebook frequencies should not be trusted as difinitive response distributions. 

Access status
Restricted
Access conditions and restrictions

University of Toronto students, staff and faculty

CD number
1102 (1972-2008 Roper v3, July 2009)
1196 (1972-2006 Roper v3, June 2007)
1213 (1972-2006 Roper v1, April 2007)
1212 (1972-2004 Roper v2, Jan 2006)
331 (1972-1998 Roper)
332 (1972-2000 Roper)
333 (1972-2002 Roper)
334 (1972-2002 Roper v2, Aug 2003)