Data are collected annually, and the data files contain the full span of information collected over the course of the study. PSID data can be used for cross-sectional, longitudinal and intergenerational analyses, and for studying both individuals and families. The general design and core content of the study have remained largely unchanged, and considerable effort has been expended cleaning the data. These two features greatly enhance the PSID's potential for longitudinal analysis. PSID data files have been disseminated widely throughout the United States and to numerous foreign countries.
Some material is even available in languages other than English.