Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

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Editing specifications

Because some responses are assigned nfd or nec codes rather than the codes of particular Religious Groups, it is important that in validating input codes at editing stage, manipulating data, and deriving output items, the full range of valid codes are included in all specifications. The full range of valid codes can be obtained from Chapter 2. Classification structure, and Appendix 1. Supplementary codes.


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 base level of the classification. Collecting and storing data at the most detailed 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 different 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 collection or 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 particular purposes. Data can be presented at Broad Group level, Narrow Group level, 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 adopted to highlight significant Narrow Groups within a Broad Group.

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