A data dictionary defines a dataset’s coded fields, data types, valid response options, and related descriptive information. It makes large survey files interpretable before analysis. section 10.3.2
Use a data dictionary to:
- Decode dozens of abbreviated or coded column names. section 10.3.2
- Identify each field’s data type and available response options. section 10.3.2
- Assess how common each response was through reported response percentages. section 10.3.2
Survey analysis
An analyst comparing Pacific and Northeast populations with General Social Survey data can use the data dictionary to interpret demographic and opinion variables before testing regional differences. section 10.3.2
