Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

To ascertain and analyse distinctively Scottish aspects of political behaviour, with information on political participation and knowledge.

Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Political participation and knowledge are gauged through various indicators. These include correct identification of current councillors and Members of Parliament, and whether the respondent has ever made use of his constituency access to councillors or MP (if so, the reason for doing so and the outcome are noted). Respondents are asked for their priorities for local budget (i.e. whether less, more or the same amount should be spent on schools etc.) and views on whether the central government should contribute more. Views are also recorded on 'party line' for corporation and parliament. Voting information is available for the most recent general and corporation elections. Political party identification, whether affiliated to party, trade union or professional organisation and, if so, the identity of the union or organization is recorded. Contextual information on respondents includes length of stay at present address, previous address, terms of tenure (if renting, whether landlord is private or council), number of school-attending children and type of education they receive (i.e. state or private). Background Variables Sex and household status, age cohort, age when left school, occupation of respondent or head of household (5 categories) whether occupation full or part-time, and religious denomination and participation.

Simple random sample

Face-to-face interview