USING THE CLASSIFICATION

EDITING SPECIFICATIONS

The full range of valid codes should be used in all specifications, including when validating input codes at editing stage, manipulating data, and deriving output items. This is because some responses are given 'not further defined' (nfd) or 'not elsewhere classified' (nec) codes rather than the codes of clearly defined religious groups,

The full range of valid codes includes the classification structure and the supplementary codes.

All the codes are in the ASCRG data cube.


CODING, STORAGE AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

Regardless of the level of aggregation envisaged for the dissemination of data, wherever possible, data should be captured, classified and stored at the four-digit level of the classification. Collecting and storing data at the four-digit level of the classification allows the greatest flexibility for the output of data, enables more detailed and complex analyses, facilitates comparisons with previous data using related classifications, and preserves information that may prove historically useful.

However, the constraints affecting each statistical collection or other application, such as problems with confidentiality or standard errors, may not permit the output of data at the lower levels of the classification. Nevertheless, the use of a standard classification will enhance data comparability even though it may not always be possible to disseminate the data at the most detailed level.

The hierarchical structure of the classification allows users the flexibility to output statistics at the level of the classification which best suits their needs. Data can be presented at broad group, narrow group, or religious group level. If necessary, significant religious groups within a narrow group can be presented separately while the remaining religious groups within the narrow group are aggregated. The same principle can be used to highlight significant narrow groups within a broad group.