Versioning and Harmonization

In some cases, variables in long format with the same content but collected in different ways need to be harmonized to ensure that they remain consistent and comparable over time. Starting with SOEP Core v.34, SOEP offers versioning and harmonization solutions for such variables in all Original Data in long format. These versions and harmonizations are recognizable in the variable name. The “_v” suffix indicates possible differences in a variable. Harmonization suggestions generated by SOEP from the different versions of these variables can be recognized with the “_h” suffix. In general, particular caution is required when using variables marked “_v” or “_h”:

1.) Differences in Response Options

Variables are versioned and harmonized because the response options have changed over time.

2.) Differences in Coding of Response Options

Variables are versioned and harmonized because the coding of the response options has changed over time. Since the values of certain response options can change, it is not possible to easily integrate the various wave-specific variables into a variable in long format. The variable must be appropriately harmonized to be useable.

3.) Content Differences in the Questions.

Variables are versioned and harmonized because the questions were asked differently in different years, but the content belongs together. If the content or wording of the question changes, the wave-specific variables cannot easily be integrated into a long variable.

4.) Changes in Question Type.

Variables are versioned and harmonized because the questions were asked differently in different years, for example, as a question with multiple response options and later as a question with a single response option. A possible multiple answer in certain years makes it difficult to easily integrate the wave-specific variables into a variable in long format.

5.) Euro Harmonization

Variables are versioned and harmonized because they are metric and were surveyed as DM amounts before the introduction of the euro. For the long version of the variable, metric variables based on different currencies in different years are harmonized as euro amounts.

6.) Differences in Metric Variables

Variables are versioned and harmonized if they contain a year and were provided in the wave-specific raw data with different numbers of digits. The years are standardized and presented in the harmonized version with four digits. In addition, possible problems with decimal digits in metric variables from the raw datasets are corrected for the long-format variable.

7.) Different Respondents

Variables are versioned and harmonized when different groups of respondents have received different survey instruments and the variables have not been integrated into the wave-specific raw datasets. Special samples or a specific filtering in the questionnaire can lead to certain groups of people receiving different questions that belong together in terms of content. Such different variables are harmonized in the long version of the variable.

A more detailed explanation of the versioning and harmonization concept can be found in the section Working with harmonized Variables

Last change: Jun 06, 2024