59 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79)

59.1 Organization

Bureau of Labor Statistics

59.3 Description

  • De-identified, patient-level
  • Longitudinal survey
  • Respondents were 14-22 years old when first interviewed in 1979
  • There are 3 independent probability subsamples:
  • cross-sectional sample designed to represent the noninstitutionalized civilians
  • a supplemental sample of Hispanic or Latino, black and disadvantaged nonblack/non- Hispanic respondents
  • a sample of respondents designed to represent the population serving in one of the four branches of the U.S. military
  • Thousands of variables covering topics such as education, training and achievement scores, employment, household, geography, dating, marriage, health, etc.
  • Custom data file built using Investigator (query tool) or full data download
  • Some restricted-use data available upon request

59.4 Vintage/Release Frequency

Round 1 (1979) to Round 29 (2020) with annual follow-up for participants

59.5 Observational Unit

Cases (patient-level) collected by interviews/questionnaires

59.6 Collection Methodology

  • Nationally representative sample of men and women born between 1957-64
  • All youths who completed the 1st round are considered respondents
  • During each round, there is an attempt to reach all youths within the active sample
  • Data is collected via questionnaires and interviews

59.9 Cost

Free for download

59.10 Proposal or Application required?

No

59.11 DUA required?

No

59.12 Special Notes

  • Registration required for download
  • A set of cross-sectional weights for each survey round.
  • Customized weights for longitudinal research can be created online (https://www.nlsinfo.org/weights/nlsy79)