The SOM Institute Cumulative Dataset 1986-2011

Summary

The SOM-dataset provides a unique possibility to study stability and change with regard to attitudes towards media, agencies, actors, political life and values over almost three decades in Sweden. The SOM-model is also flexible in focussing new themes in society or in comparison over time. A weakness is the response rate, but in a comparative perspective, the SOM-institute manages to keep a rather good response rate. Another strength is that the study gives rich opportunities for young scholars (both master students and doctoral students) to use the empirical base for various research studies. Every year, the SOM institute publishes a book in which the researchers present their results and analyses and, as far as possible, discuss observed long-term trends with respect to opinions and media. Each book also includes extensive documentation of the survey per se. Every year, the Institute also publishes a large number of reports. All publications are made available (in Swedish) via the SOM Institute’s website.

Type of data

Data Source
Survey

Type of Study
Survey different
Crosssection regular

Data gathering method
Self administered questionnaire

Access to data

Conditions of access
The data is not publicly available; so far, there is limited use for international comparison. For further information, contact the principal investigator.

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)
Anonymised microdata and aggregated tables.

Formats available
Data set is compatible with Excel, SAS, SPSS, STATA, Text, etc

Coverage

Coverage Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes
Super SOM contains data from the National SOM study, an annually repeated, cross-sectional, self-administered, mail survey conducted in Sweden since 1986 (for further information see Scope & Coverage). The data contains a selection of questions frequently asked over the years, focusing on time series. A general rule is that questions should have been asked at least three times. Age sample frame (Year: Age interval): 1986-1991: 15-75 years 1992-1997: 15-80 years 1998: 16-80 years (note 1) 1999: 15-80 years 2000-2008: 15-85 years 2009-: 16-85 years Citizenship: 1986: the sample included both Swedish and foreign citizens living in Sweden. 1987-1988: only Swedish citizens. 1989: both Swedish and foreign citizens. 1990-1991: only Swedish citizens. 1992-: the sample included both Swedish and foreign citizens living in Sweden. Total sample size (Year: Number of individuals): 1986-1991: 2,500 1992-1995: 2,800 1996: 2,841 (note 2) 1997: 2,800 1998-1999: 5,600 2000-2005: 6,000 2006: 6,050 (note 3) 2007-2008: 6,000 2009-: 9,000

First year of collection
1986

Stratification if applicable
Various sectoral or regional studies can be performed.

Base used for sampling

Geographical coverage and breakdowns
The whole country.

Age range
Population aged 16 - 85

Statistical representativeness
Population representative

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics
Initially, the survey was carried out as part of a few research projects at the University of Gothenburg. Since the results of the survey ended up receiving a great deal of attention, the SOM Institute was established. Its main task was to conduct a new survey every autumn. The resulting time series is unique of its kind. Every year, the questionnaires are complemented with questions related to current events. In 2009, the complementary questions concerned the swine flu and how the media handled the pandemic. Each partial survey is nationally representative and includes a sample of 3,0003000 individuals aged 16–85. Each questionnaire consists of 18–20 pages. The field work starts in mid-September each year and, following a series of reminders distributed via post and telephone, ends in January of the following year. National SOM addresses three areas – society, opinions and mass media – and consists of a large number of questions related to politics, society, media and social background, but their areas of focus differ. Every year, the questionnaires are complemented with questions related to current events. Topics relevant for MYBL are cultural activities and participation, employment/unemployment, public health, leisure and sport, social attitudes and behaviour, welfare policies. The SOM Institute Cumulative Dataset contains data from the National SOM surveys from 1986. The data contains a selection of questions frequently asked over the years, focusing on time series. A general rule is that questions should have been asked at least three times.

Linkage

Standardisation
Not applicable

Possibility of linkage among databases
There are good possibilities to connect with other Swedish data-bases.

Data quality

Entry errors if applicable
The response rates of surveys in social science have a falling curve over the last decades. The response rate for SOM between 1986 and 2012 is on average 65%. The annual report provides an in-depth analyses of response rates and initiatives taken to increase the response rate. Last year, respondents could choose between a paper questionnaire or a digital model.

Breaks
There has been a continuous development of the method since 1986, but the main objective has been to apply a sustainable and robust methodological approach. There has also been an expansion in contract- studies based on regional or sectoral approaches.

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection
A codebook of more than 800 pages is available on the web site.

Governance

Contact information
Henrik Oscarsson
SOM-Institute / University of Gothenburg
P.O.Box 710 / Seminariegatan 1B
405 30 / 413 13 Göteburg Sweden Phone: +46-31 786 3300
Email: henrik.oscarsson(at)pol.gu.se
Url: http://www.som.gu.se/som_institute/about-som/?languageId=100001&contentId=-1&disableRedirect=true&returnUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.som.gu.se%2Fom_som%2F

Timeliness, transparency
An annual report of the SOM-study is published in early summer the year after the survey. SOM is also open to various agencies/organisations to make their own focussed studies. Information on the project is available on website.