About the Scottish Household Survey
Information about the Scottish Household Survey, including methods used and questions asked.
Introduction
The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) provides robust evidence on the characteristics, attitudes and behaviour of private households and individuals, as well as on the physical condition of Scotland’s homes.
The topics covered in the survey include housing, neighbourhoods, finances, internet, physical activity, local services, environment, volunteering, culture, childcare.
For survey results, please visit the Scottish Household Survey results web page.
More detail on the questions asked in the SHS and the methods used are provided below.
Survey methods used and data quality
- Scottish Household Survey methodology reports 1999-2017
- Scottish Household Survey 2019 - Behind the numbers
- Scottish Household Survey 2023 - methodology and fieldwork outcomes
- Scottish Household Survey 2022: methodology and fieldwork outcomes
- Scottish Household Survey 2021: methodology and fieldwork outcomes
- Scottish Household Survey 2020: methodology and impact of change in mode
- Scottish Household Survey 2019: methodology and fieldwork outcomes
- Scottish household survey 2018: methodology and fieldwork outcomes
- Scottish Household Survey: response rates, reissuing and survey quality
- Scottish household survey: survey of non-response
- Scottish Household Survey income analysis
- Scottish household survey: comparison of income data
Survey questions asked
Scottish Household Survey questionnaires
- Scottish Household Survey questionnaire 2022
- Scottish Household Survey questionnaire 2021
- Scottish Household Survey questionnaire 2020
- Scottish Household Survey questionnaires from 2003 to 2019
Scottish Household Survey questionnaire reviews
- Scottish Household Survey 2018-2021 questionnaire review - report
- Scottish Household Survey 2018-2021 questionnaire review - detailed summary of changes
- Scottish Household Survey 2018-2021 questionnaire review - Scottish Government lead analyst responses
- Scottish Household Survey 2018-2021 questionnaire review - External stakeholder responses
- Scottish Household Survey 2012 questionnaire review
- Scottish Household Survey 2009 questionnaire review
- Scottish Household Survey 2005 questionnaire review
User engagement
Other information
- Scottish household survey: information for interviewees
- Scottish household survey: Frequently Asked Questions
- Scottish household survey: how to get results
- Scottish household survey: data access
- Scottish household survey: privacy and data protection
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Impact on Scottish Household Survey and Scottish House Condition Survey
Contact
Take part
Every year, a random sample of addresses in Scotland are invited to take part in the Scottish Household Survey. It is important that as many of these as possible take part. This is to make sure the results are representative of everyone in Scotland, not just certain groups of people. However, if you have received an invite letter and have decided you don't want to take part, please visit the Ipsos web portal, call the freephone number 0808 238 5456 or email shs@ipsos.com. More information on taking part is available at the Scottish Household Survey website.
Keep up to date
If you wish to be added to the e-mail mailing list to be kept informed of details of SHS developments, you should register your interest in 'Population and Household Surveys' and/or the Scottish Household Survey' sub-topic on the ScotStat Register.
Provide feedback or request other information
The Scottish Household Survey team at the Scottish Government can be contacted at shs@gov.scot.
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