Scottish Social Attitudes
About the study
Since 1999, people like you have been helping us find out what people in Scotland really think about the big issues affecting the nation.
Every year we ask around 1,200 people from all over the country what they think about a range of issues, like health, politics and family. This means we can track changing attitudes and find out what makes Scotland tick.
Scottish Social Attitudes is funded by a number of charitable and government bodies. In 2021 we have funding from the Scottish Government, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the International Social Survey Programme, the University of Aberdeen and the Economic and Social Research Council. For over 20 years, the findings have been hitting the headlines, and have been used by charities, universities, government and the media to inform policy and spark debate.
Why take part?
A token of our appreciation
As a thank you, everyone who takes part will receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher. This can be used at a number of leading retailers across the UK.
If you haven’t been asked to take part, thanks for your interest, but unfortunately we can only talk to those people who have been randomly selected.
How Scottish Social Attitudes has made a difference
Your views are vital to getting a true picture of Scotland today. And your opinions could go on to influence the big decisions on issues like education, healthcare and welfare. This is your chance to have your say, to shape the decisions of politicians, charities and campaigners.
We really hope that you agree to take part. As you were selected at random we can’t replace you.
In the last survey, we wanted to find out more about people’s attitudes towards government and the economy, as well as to understand public views on gender inequality.
Because we’ve been asking these questions for over 20 years, Scottish Social Attitudes is uniquely placed to show how views have changed. Our findings are widely reported and used by politicians on all sides of the debate.
A little time to make a big difference
We’re just asking that you spare a little time to share your thoughts and opinions. We know your time is precious, but your input really does make a difference. With your support we can help government and charities make the right decisions about the big issues.
Everyone’s talking about it
You can be part of one of the most important indicators of national opinion. That’s why the press and people in government and charities are listening to what you have to say. The results have been widely reported in papers including The Herald, The Scotsman and the Scottish Daily Mail, as well as featuring on television and being discussed at Holyrood.
Why have I been chosen?
Why you’re so important to us
We’ve chosen your address at random to make sure we get a truly representative picture of everyone in Scotland. Your address can’t be replaced by another one, as this would bias the results.
We want to hear from everyone
It’s really important to us, and our clients, that our research represents the views of everyone living in the Scotland. It doesn’t matter what you do, what age you are or where in Scotland you live, we value your opinion.
Whoever you are, whatever you think, your opinion is important to us. Taking part is an opportunity to tell influential people who make the decisions in government and charities what you really think.
What's involved?
Opting in
If you have recently received a letter asking you to take part, this will contain details of how you can opt in to take part in the survey. There are 3 ways you can do so:
- Online: survey.natcen.ac.uk/ssa You will need the 7-digit code at the top of this letter and your contact details.
- Email: ssa@scotcen.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 652 3751
Within a few weeks a ScotCen interviewer will get in touch by phone to carry out the interview at a time that suits you.
The interview
Your interviewer will ask you about a range of topics including your views about health, COVID-19 and politics. For each question you will be given a range of options to choose from. Don’t worry – you don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to, your interviewer will just skip on to the next one.
Your interviewer will ask you about a range of topics including your views about health, COVID-19 and politics. For each question you will be given a range of options to choose from. Don’t worry – you don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to, your interviewer will just skip on to the next one. Translations are available for the survey in a range of different languages – if you need the survey to be translated just let your interviewer know and we can arrange this for you.
No need to prepare
There’s no need to prepare for the interview. You don’t need any special knowledge, we just want to hear about what you think of a range of issues that affect us all. Most people agree to be interviewed and enjoy taking part.
Who are ScotCen?
Based in Edinburgh, ScotCen have over 20 years’ experience listening to the public and making sure their voice is heard. ScotCen is an integral part of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), Britain’s leading centre for independent social research. We are a non-profit organisation, independent of all government departments and political parties.
Uncovering real opinions
We are commissioned by government and charities to uncover the real views of people in Scotland today. What we find out is used to inform policy and make a difference to the lives of people across the nation.
Helping the nation
We are a charity and information from surveys we carry out is made publicly available. So it’s not just helping our clients, it’s used by other organisations trying to improve life in Scotland.
Privacy
We will handle your data in accordance with Data Protection legislation. The results collected will be used for research and statistical purposes only.
Contact us
If you’ve any questions at all, you can get in touch with us by phone or by email. You can contact a member of the Scottish Social Attitudes team using the free phone number 0800 652 3751.
Alternatively, email your enquiry to: ssa@scotcen.org.uk.