The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) is a longitudinal study that began in 1968 with a nationally representative sample of over 18,000 individuals living in 5,000 families in the United States. In this study, information on these participants and their descendants has been collected continuously, including data covering employment, income, wealth, expenditures, health, marriage, childbearing, child development, philanthropy, education, and numerous other topics. The PSID is directed by faculty at the University of Michigan, and the data are available on this website without cost to researchers and analysts. The study has three stages: Core Stage, Child Development Supplement (CDS), and Transition into Adulthood Supplement (TAS).
Core Stage is the primary stage of data collection and involves a survey of all sample members and their families. The survey collects information on income, employment, education, health, and family structure.
Child Development Supplement focuses on the development of children in PSID participant families. It collects information on these children’s health, education, behavior, and other relevant factors.
Transition into Adulthood Supplement focuses on the transition of PSID family members into adulthood. It collects information on educational and career paths, family formation, health, and other relevant factors.
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