Why use this feature
The data dictionary gives you full documentation for each survey, including variable definitions, sources, and technical notes. This helps you understand exactly what data represents.
Access the Data Dictionary
Option 1: From a Report
- Once you’ve created the report you want to review, click the Info button in the right-hand menu.
- Under About the data, you’ll see:
- Info tab: General notes on how the data is structured.
- Citation tab: Citation details for the dataset.
- At the bottom, you’ll find quick links to:
- Documentation – detailed survey-level notes.
- Data Dictionary – full list of variables with definitions and metadata.
Option 2: Browse All Surveys
- Go to the Data Dictionary page.
- Select the survey you’re interested in.
- Browse variables, sources, and technical notes.
What’s included in the Data Dictionary
- Variable definitions – description of each variable in the dataset.
- Sources – where the data comes from (e.g., Census Bureau, Social Explorer tables).
- Notes – guidance on how totals are calculated. For example:
- When more than one component is selected from the same geographical level, Social Explorer calculates a total for those components in the “All Selected Geographies” column.
- This total applies only to the available geographies at that level.
- If a value is missing, it’s marked with an asterisk (*) in the All Selected Geographies column.