VAR CF0801 LIBERAL-CONSERVATIVE THERMOMETER INDEX

VAR CF0801    LIBERAL-CONSERVATIVE THERMOMETER INDEX
              COLUMNS 610-611
              NUMERIC
              MD GE 98


        LIBERAL/CONSERVATIVE INDEX
        -------------------------------------------------------------------

        USE WEIGHT VARIABLE VCF0009/VCF0009A/VCF0009B.

        This index is constructed from the thermometer score for liberals
        (VCF0211) and the thermometer score for conservatives (VCF0212).
        The calculation used is the following:  First, the value of VCF0211 is
        subtracted from 97, and that difference is added to the value of
        VCF0212.  This sum is then divided by 2, and .5 is added to the
        result.  Finally, the solution is truncated to obtain an integer
        value.  If either VCF0211 or VCF0212 is 98, then VCF0801 is coded 98;
        99 is coded in VCF0801 if it is the only missing data value coded
        in VCF0211,VCF0212.

             00.  Most liberal
               .
             49.  Neutral
               .
             97.  Most conservative

             98.  DK in VCF0211 or VCF0212; don't recognize OR can't rate
                     (1980 and later) in VCF0211 or VCF0212, or both
             99.  NA; INAP, no post IW (1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992,
                      1996); form III,IV (1972); question not used

        1964:  238,251         1966:  120,131          1968:  225,241
        1970:  252,242(type0)  1972:  709,724          1974:  2358,2369
        1976:  3823,3838       1980:  861,877          1982:  142,143
        1984:  770,764         1986:  150,153          1988:  609,616
        1990:  156,161         1992:  5319,5326        1994:  306,311
        1996:  961031,961032   1998:  980264, 980267   2000:  001310,001311


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