Support #2135
openyplvhm(_bh) and zero values
80%
Description
Hello,
I am working with the BHPS and UKHLS youth questionnaires. I am dealing with the variable yplvhm(_bh). I noticed that certain waves present a spike of zeros (e.g., wave 18 BHPS and wave 10 and 12 of UKHLS). Does 0 have a particular meaning in these waves?
Thank you and best,
Lydia
Updated by Understanding Society User Support Team 5 months ago
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Hi Lydia,
The youth questionnaire is a paper-and-pencil interview, which increases the likelihood of receiving answers outside the expected range. I suggest treating these zeros as missing data. In UKHLS waves where the number of zeros is higher, the number of -9s is simultaneously lower, and the number of valid answers is comparable, indicating possible inconsistent coding during data entry. Unfortunately, we do not have access to the original paper copies of the completed questionnaires at the moment, so I can't fully confirm this.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Piotr Marzec
UKHLS User Support