Recommendations for Using the CDS-2014 Weights

Recommendations for Using the CDS-2014 Weights

In this section, we summarize our recommendations for using the CDS-2014 weights. Our basic recommendation is for data users to always use the provided weights in all of their analyses. In addition, we recommend that, when calculating standard errors, data users should wherever possible account for the clustering of the CDS-2014 data by family. Standard errors should reflect the fact that siblings are more likely to have similar outcomes and characteristics than children selected at random. Controlling for family-level clustering of siblings also provides an appropriate correction due to clustering of families by household or neighborhood and recognizes the fact that generally it is only possible to control for a single level of clustering. Furthermore, when analyses focus on a subset of children (from either the full sample or the in- home component), data users should use an appropriate “sub-population” adjustment. Clustering-corrected standard errors and sub-population commands are available in most standard statistical software (including SAS and Stata).

Main Child Weight (X14CHW GT). This weight should be used for all analyses in which the full sample of children in CDS-2014 are the focus of the analysis. This is the weight to use with data from the PCG Child Instrument or for data on children aged 12–17 years from the Child Instrument.

Child In-Home Weight (X14IHWGT). This weight should be used for all analyses in which the analysis focuses on measures available only in the in-home component of CDS-2014, which includes the following components: Child Interviews for children aged 8–11 years, the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement in reading and math, and the CDS Time Diaries.

PCG Weight (H14PCGWGT). This weight should be used for all analyses in which the sample of PCGs in CDS-2014 are the focus of the analysis. This is the weight to use with data from the PCG Household Instrument or for other data on PCGs.

Finally, if users have questions about whether their analyses should be weighted or unweighted or about how to reflect the sampling design in their calculation of parameter estimates and standard errors, they should consult with a survey statistician.