Detroit Area Study, 1965: A Study of Placement of Events in Time

This data collection measures the ability of 558 adults in the Detroit metropolitan area to recall major events in their lives and to place these events in a particular time frame. In order to ascertain the quality of their memories, respondents were questioned extensively about the time they bought their house and car, when they last observed a death or illness in the family or among their friends, and if they could recall precise events such as the assassination of President Kennedy. They were also asked about the time they were last hospitalized and how long they had lived in their present residence. Also explored were respondents' feelings about time and their use of time. Additional items explored respondents' childhood memories, attendance at club meetings, routine or planned activities, approach to multitasking, their favorite holiday, and sense of direction, as well as the quality of services provided by various utility companies. Demographic variables specify age, place of birth, race, marital status, occupation, education, religion, original nationality of parents, number of children, political party affiliation, home ownership, family income, and length of residence in the Detroit area. More information about the Detroit Area Studies Project is available on this Web site.