A computerized approach to the processing and analysis of life histories obtained in sample surveys.

Abstract

Life histories undeniably offer many advantages, especially in examining sequences of behavior. Their high cost and difficulties in analyzing large numbers have restricted the use of life histories to case studies. In a sample survey of 1640 men in Monterrey, Mexico, partial life histories were systematically obtained on residence, education, marital status and family formation, health impairment, and work. Problems of reliability of response, particularly recall error, are of special significance in the evaluation of life histories. Omission of changes in status, improper ordering and dating of changes were minimized by: systematic recording, in which all years had to be accounted for; facilitation of recall, primarily by moving back and forth among several important areas of respondent's life; checks on consistency of response, by means of similar questions in other parts of the interview schedule. In processing the data only changes in the content of each of the variables were coded and punched on cards. A special FORTRAN program was written to permit the reconstruction of the entire life histories on computer tape from the “change” data cards. The program also allows for the formation of new index variables and collapsing of others. Maximum flexibility of analysis is possible since any given recorded event in the life history can be “located” with reference to age and year, to other events and to the other information gathered in the questionnaire. In this way a closer approximation to causal analysis is made possible. Stochastic models and path analysis are examples of statistical techniques well suited for these kinds of data. The data gathering and processing procedures outlined in this article are applicable to many other kinds of investigation, ranging from political behavior to mental illness.