Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The <i>Database of Selected British Gallup Opinion Polls</i> is a sample product, developed at The Data Archive by the Opinion Polls Unit, which illustrates how the texts and data might be used. The aim was to produce an information system which could be used by non-specialists in the field of data analysis - practitioners like journalists, teachers or legislators who could use a CD-ROM publication to find out what attitudinal changes had occurred over time or how people had indicated they would vote in the recent or distant past. It was also intended as a tool to show funders the potential of the material. The CD-ROM contains a 'Microsoft (MS) Access' database, which combines survey text and matching SPSS output in the form of calculated frequencies, some of which are depicted in graphical form, and a text search facility. There are three versions of the database to suit different users' needs; version 2 for MS Access 2.0, version 7 for MS Access 95/7.0 and version 8 for MS Access 97. Potential users are advised to request the database version that is specific to their own version of MS Access. The hierarchical pathway system is a series of forms navigated by using buttons and includes a description of the surveys as well as additional information on the changes made to the text for inputting purposes. A text only version of the original question text and calculated frequencies, together with the accompanying data and documentation files is also available on request. SPSS portable files are also provided on the CD in order that the user has the option of carrying out further data manipulation. A further directory consisting of 27 SPSS portable files containing coded parliamentary constituency information is also provided, along with a key to the codes. Users should note that constituency information for years 1958-1964 is currently unavailable.

Main Topics:

The database consists of one survey from January of each year (except for 1979, which uses February). A wide variety of political, social and economic subjects are covered including, among others, satisfaction with the government's performance; opposition policies; the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Also covered are attitudes towards specific political and economic issues and current problems, both domestic and international; recall of past vote and voting intention; social concerns, such as law and crime, nationalisation, immigration, public services etc. Throughout most of the surveys respondents are classified by age, gender, marital status, socio-economic group, employment status and occupation, self-assessed social class, trade union membership, size of household, number of children, terminal education age and car ownership.

Quota sample

Face-to-face interview