7. 'Main source of income' can be derived where income data is collected on a source by source basis or respondents can be asked to report their main source of income in a separate question. The options available to produce 'Main source of income' depend on which question module has been used to collect 'Total income'. The derivation and / or collection methods available with each of the standard income modules are outlined below.
DETAILED MODULE
8. In the detailed question module, 'Main source of income' is derived from complete income data collected on a source by source basis. For those reporting just one source, that is their main source. The detailed income question module is designed to be asked of all household members aged 15 years and over thus enabling 'Main source of income' to be derived for persons or for higher level units such as income units, families and households.
BASIC MODULE
9. In the basic income module, 'Main source of income' can be derived from income data collected on a source by source basis if complete data are available. For those reporting just one source, that is their main source. Where complete data are not reported for each source, for instance where the respondent did not know the amount, it is suggested that respondents be sequenced to a separate question that asks them to report their main source of income.
10. 'Main source of income' can only be derived for higher level units where the basic income module has been used to collect income information for each person within that statistical unit.
11. The standard 'Main source of income' question for use in the basic income module is outlined below. The standard question wording for use in personal or telephone interviews are provided in the 'Total income - Appendix A - Basic module - Personal interview, Question 44 and Appendix B - Basic module - Telephone interview, Question 52. Both appendices are found under the downloads tab.
You have told me that [you / proxy name] [receive/receives] [list all source/s of income].
What is [your / (proxy name)'s] main source of income? [Please consider dividends from shares, and interest as one source.]
1. Wages or salary (including from own incorporated business)
2. Own unincorporated business or share in a partnership
3. Government pension or allowance
4. Rental investment property
5. Superannuation, an annuity or private pension
6. Dividends from shares and/or interest
7. Other
8. Nil or negative
9. Don't know
SHORT MODULE
12. In the short income module, respondents can be asked to report their main source of income (see the Short module in
Collection Methods of the 'Total income standard').
The standard question for use in the short module is:
What is [your / (proxy name)'s] main source of income?
1. Wages or salary (including from own incorporated business)
2. Own unincorporated business or share in a partnership
3. Government pension or allowance
4. Rental investment property
5. Superannuation, an annuity or private pension
6. Dividends from shares and/or interest
7. Other
8. Nil or negative
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