Derived variables are named with a “_dv” suffix. Derived variables are variables that the Understanding Society data team has produced from existing variables. These variables increase the value of the data. There are different types of derived variables.
(i) One type of derived variables combine different bits of information from different sources to produce a relevant piece of information, e.g., by combining information provided over time regarding educational qualifications the highest educational qualification is produced, w_hiqual_dv.
(ii) A second type are composite scales based on a module of questions to measure a specific concept, e.g., w_scghq1_dv is the likert score based on the 12-item GHQ module of questions.
(iii) A third type are variables which have been checked for consistency using different bits of information available for that person, e.g., w_age_dv.
(iv) A fourth type are the relationship pointers or identifiers, e.g., a_mnspid records the pidp of the co-resident mother of the respondent in Wave 1.
(v) A fifth type provide imputed values for cases with missing values, e.g., w_paygu_dv.
(vi) Another type are the individual and household income variables are produced by adding up incomes from different sources and missing values are imputed.
To know more about the income variables that are derived, or derived variables in general see the “Derived Variables: Income and other” section of the Main Study User Guide.
Please note not that while most derived variable names include a _dv suffix, not all have such as the identifier variables (see (iv) above). For a full list of derived variables please take a look at the Index Term Derived Variables.
A short description of how the variables were created are included in the variable note for that variable. The syntax files for producing some of these derived variables has been uploaded here (see under the “UKHLS deposited” tab).
[Note, w_ is the wave prefix placeholder which is equal to a for Wave 1, b for Wave 2 and so on.]
