Data Source

Survey

Type of Study

Longitudinal survey

Data gathering method

Telephone interview (CATI)

Telephone interview complemented with an Internet survey

Conditions of access

Formal agreements (e.g. fees, research contracts, institutional agreements, etc.)

Aggregate tables are available for free through Statbank. Researchers can gain access to the microdata through Statistics Denmark.

Time elapsed between application and reception of data

Permission to use the Danish Registers has to be requested from the Danish Data Protection Agency. This will extend the application process by 1-2 months.

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)

Anonymised microdata and aggregated tables

Formats available

SAS

Language issues

Documentation in English is available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/information_society/data/database

Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes

Data collection ongoing since 2001. During the time between 2001 and 2006, approximately 1,000 completed interviews were carried out each month. From 2007-2009, approximately 4,300 interviews were carried out annually in April. In 2010, 4,600 completed interviews were conducted because the sample population was expanded (from 16-74 to 16-89 years). In 2011, 4,988 completed interviews (16-89 years) were conducted and in 2012, 5,224 interviews (16-89 years) were completed. This survey replaces the study 'PCs and access to the Internet' (Pc'ere og adgang til internet) (1997-2000).

First year of collection

2001

Stratification if applicable

N.A.

Base used for sampling

2001-2009: Population aged 16-74. 2010-present: Population aged 16-89 years.

Geographical coverage and breakdowns

Entire country

Age range

16-89

Statistical representativeness

Based on representative samples of the population

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics

Covers access and use of the internet, including online purchases and the purpose of using it. This is reported for the population based on gender, age, occupation, family type, income, etc. There are also a few questions at the family/household level.

Further Reading

The questionnaire is available in English at http://www.dst.dk/extranet/varedekl/241.pdf

Standardisation

Based on a questionnaire recommended by Eurostat.

Possibility of linkage among databases

Data can be linked to register data available at Statistics Denmark through an encrypted identification key.

Entry errors if applicable

N.A.

Breaks

Changes in the sampling method and the age groups included. In the period 2001-2006, a sample was drawn every month, but since 2007, only one sample has been drawn each year. The age group covered was expanded in 2010, when the population aged 75-89 years was included.

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection

The questions vary over time in order to reflect the rapid changes in computer technology.

Strengths: The survey covers a representable sample of all adults in Denmark. The study is repeated each year and covers the time span of 2001 to today, making it possible to analyse changes over time. The questionnaire is based on Eurostat's recommendations and model questionnaire. Weaknesses: Changes in the method of data collection, sample size, and questions.