The 2011 Census variable and classification information document includes information about each variable used in the statistics - by table number as well as by variable - including definitions, source question, derivation, population covered and comparability with 2001.
This document will be subject to further updates as additional 2011 Census data is released. It is divided into six parts:
Part 1 – Variable and classification - contains an introduction to the documents.
Part 2 – Tables - provides information about the datasets released to date. It includes the table number, title, table population and the variables used in that table. It is divided into two parts covering Key Statistics and Quick Statistics.
Part 3 – Standard variables - contains detailed information about standard variables (these relate directly to a single question as it appeared on the census questionnaire) including the:
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variable name
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mnemonic (reference code)
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source question
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definition
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reason for asking the question
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classification
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which table the variable is used in
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where available the item non-response and imputation rates for England & Wales.
Part 4 – Derived variables - contains similar information to Part 3 but for derived variables. These are variables that do not relate directly to a single question as it appeared on the census questionnaire but have been calculated from the answers provided to other questions. For example, data showing how far people travel to work have been derived by using the household home postcode and the workplace postcode, and calculating the distance between them.
Part 5 – Further information - contains information and links to additional material to help users understand the tables.
Part 6 - Classifications - contains the full classifications for some of the larger variables, i.e. Country of Birth.
