Reliability of registrations: a feasibility study into registration of occupational and educational titles in hospitals

Some results of an investigation are presented in which answers on some basic variables (occupation and education) are registered in several ways. The variables were measured in a setting in which the registration was to occur as fast as possible. All registrations went by using a computer. The registrations were checked a few weeks afterwards. This gives information about the reliability of the registrations. About 70% of those having a job reported the same occupation during the registration and the check. For educational level the same answer was given in about 80% of the cases. People not in the labour process reported both times nearly identical. Typing the labels resembles most the way employees at registration desks work. Choosing, however, from a list gives more reliable results. Causes of differences in assignments are discussed, and recommendations for improvement are given.