Understanding Society User Support

Dear Support

I have two questions regarding strata formation and clustering in analysis:

1. After reading Lynn (2009) - Sample Design for Understanding Society (and consulting both your online class and the manual), I am left with a question regarding the enumeration of strata seen in the variable 'strata'. This surely comes down to my a lapse in understanding of the survey design.
For the GPS Lynn details the stratification of postal code into 103 distinct strata (12 regions X 3 SEG-bands X 3 pop. density bands), however when tabulating Strata for GPS members in wave 1 of UKHLS I see 1200 strata. Where is the disconnect?
I also find a discrepancy between strata_bh and the characterization given in Lynn (2006) "Quality Profile: British Household Panel Survey". Lynn details 82 minor strata while the strata_bh variable takes 75 values at wave 1 of BHPS.

2. Should I specify two levels of clustering if studying individuals (say in stata svy enviroment)?
If my interest is in individuals (adult respondents), then for the GPS my current understanding of the structure is: 1. Postal codes are translated into sectors which are sorted into 103 strata. 2. PSU's are drawn (first clustering level) with proportionate probability, 3. Addresses/delivery points are drawn at random from PSU (second level of clustering?) with correction for multiple household at the same address.

I would be thankful for any help you could provide
Andreas W. Andersen