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Census questions, forms and definitions
Questions
Forms
Definitions
Questions
Census questions are modified at each census in order that:
- the needs of a substantial number of users are met, i.e. local government, central government, public services and commercial organisations
- the questions are acceptable to the general public who complete the census forms - this is checked during field surveys
- the highest quality data is obtained from the completed census forms
Generally, the number of questions has increased over time but occasionally there has been a decrease as in 1981
when the form had fewer questions than in 1971. As time has passed, more and more information has been recorded.
The 2001 census asked 41 questions, 7 more than were asked in 1991.
Very careful consideration is given to the questions included in the census. Questions must meet the
needs of a substantial number of users in order that the census is acceptable to the public and yields
good quality data. The questions are selected following several rounds of consultation with:
- central and local government
- academia
- health authorities
- the business community
- groups representing ethnic minorities and others with special interests and concerns
A programme of testing possible questions for the 2001 census was carried out,
including cognitive research into how people understood the questions, small scale
quantitative tests and two major census tests in 1997 and 1999, to ensure that all
questions were practical and reliable. In addition, before the final decision on
census content was taken by Parliament, the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
carried out a sample survey of more than 2,000 households as a way of providing a
further check on the effectiveness of the questions and the public's view of the topics.
There cannot be major changes to the census topics because it is important
that comparisons can be made over time. However, the census has to remain
relevant to society. With minor exceptions, the 1991 census included all the
topics contained in the 1981 census and added three new questions asked of
individuals: ethnic group, limiting long-term illness and term-time address
of students, whilst weekly hours worked was reintroduced. It also included a
new question on central heating in the household amenities section.
The 2001 census form introduced five questions that had not been asked in the 1991 census. They included:
- general health
- provision of unpaid care
- time since last paid employment
- size of employer's organisation
- a voluntary question on religion
In addition, there were major revisions to the questions on:
- qualifications
- relationships within the household
- ethnic group
- accommodation
The questionnaire forms are slightly different for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The majority of the questions are the same but in the 2001 census an additional question on religion
was asked in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a question on Welsh, Gaelic and Irish was asked
in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. Extra information was also collected in Scotland
on the address of the place of study and means of travel to the place of study. For household accommodation,
there was a question in Scotland on whether rented accommodation was furnished or unfurnished and in
Northern Ireland the number of floor levels in the accommodation was asked. England was the only part
of the United Kingdom to ask a question on professional qualifications.
The question in the 2001 census, 'What is your religion?' was the first time that this question has ever
been asked in Great Britain. (In Northern Ireland the question has been asked since 1861). Testing of the
question had shown that, in general, the topic was acceptable to the public but in response to concerns
from Parliament about civil liberties it was agreed that this question would be voluntary. In England and
Wales, the census form posed one question only, asking respondents to select their religion. Two voluntary
questions were asked in Scotland and Northern Ireland, distinguishing between current religion and religion
of upbringing.
Up to, and including, 2001 there has been no question on income in the full British census.
Consultation with users identified a widespread requirement for information on this topic
and a strong case was made to include this question in the 2001 census. However, on the basis
that it was felt that the question was not acceptable to some members of the public and
that it might not be accurately answered the Government decided not to include it.
Forms
Census.ac.uk covers only the censuses for 1971 onwards. The census forms for 1971-2001 are downloadable as .pdf files
Definitions
Definitions and concepts change at each census. The following documents describe those used at each census such
as 'enumerated population', 'usual residence', 'size of family' or 'economic position'.
The ONS report covering 2001 census definitions, comparability with the 1991 census and
a guide to comparing 1991 and 2001 ethnic group data can be downloaded from the
National Statistics web site.