2011 UK Census

There was also an additional question which asked about metadata to support users is making or using comparisons.

Question: In addition to the types of metadata produced for 2001 Census outputs listed previously, the following metadata products have been suggested by users for 2011 outputs. How useful would you find the following?

These questions were separated from the related data questions on the questionnaire, but we would still expect the responses to show some continuity and consistency. So let's look back at some summary results for the data questions.

Question: Will you have a requirement to compare 2011 Census output with 2001 Census output ?

If we take the 'very useful' and 'of some use' responses to the meta data question (465), then we can see that it is comparable to the total of users who either expect to use comparisons, or indicated that they did not know (470).

Similarly, if we consider the most positively answered category to the question

Question: How useful would you find it if 2001/2011 comparisons of main statistics were produced as part of Census Offices standard output ?

we again see that the combined 'useful' and 'of some use' result (441) is somewhat comparable to that of the meta data question (465).

A guide to comparisons ?
Some form of census guide with information about changes between Censuses and guidance on comparisons to treat with caution is clearly seen as a worthwhile part of the overall meta data package for 2011.

So, the questions become what should be included in it and what form should it take?

What was your experience of making comparisons with 2001 and 1991 or earlier census data? What metadata was provided that you used and found useful, and what metadata was lacking or absent.

How were things presented well or not so well? What and how can things be improved?

Are there any exceptional examples of 3rd party products or solutions for Census or related material that you have used?

There is already a section in the wiki that has been created to begin to document the development and technical issues and potential solutions for providing and using 2011 / 2001 data comparisons. This area can also be used to list related thoughts, issues and solutions for comparison metadata. If you expect to use comparisons in the future then we urge you to get involved and let us know your thoughts.

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