COORDINATE's Variable Database & Harmonisation Toolbox

The presentation introduces the COORDINATE Variable Database and Harmonisation Toolbox, key resources for researchers studying child and youth wellbeing in Europe. The Variable Database compiles commonly used measures from 19 major surveys, ensuring comparability and accessibility. The Harmonisation Toolbox, part of deliverable D4.5, provides scripts to help researchers harmonise their own data rather than offering pre-harmonised datasets, due to data distribution restrictions.

Data harmonisation is crucial for integrating datasets, improving comparability, reducing biases, and enabling cross-country and cross-cultural research. This is especially important in child wellbeing studies, where comparative data is often scarce. The COORDINATE project supports the development of the "Growing up in Digital Europe" (GUIDE) cohort survey by analysing existing surveys and identifying best practices for measurement.

The database and toolbox apply harmonisation methods to six key aspects of child wellbeing: material wellbeing, education, health, family and environment, risk behaviour, and subjective wellbeing. These categories capture the essential dimensions of a child’s life, providing a structured approach to data comparison.

Since data access is restricted, researchers must obtain datasets directly from providers. The Harmonisation Toolbox guides users through data import, preparation, codebook creation, variable alignment, and dataset export in formats like R, SPSS, and STATA. Maintenance of these tools is handled through GESIS GitLab, ensuring continuity under the GUIDE initiative.