Online Data Analysis FAQs

Short answers to common questions about using the WVS Online Data Analysis (ODA). Use the index on the right to jump to a question.

Are results weighted?

Yes. By default, all statistics use the sample weight provided for each selected sample. If a sample has no weight, its results are unweighted.

Can I export the results?

Yes. You can export tables and charts to Excel (.xlsx), PDF, or download a PNG snapshot.

Can I change the selection of samples while viewing results?

Yes. Use the Selected samples control shown beneath the results to open the selector and add or remove countries/regions.

Tip: Select only the countries you really want to compare—very large tables can be slow to generate and hard to read.

Selected samples control located beneath the results table
The Selected samples control under the results table.

Is the ODA free?

Yes. You can produce and export your own figures and tables. Please cite the Latinobarómetro as recommended in the Data & Documentation section.

What do the percentages mean?

Percentages are calculated over the (weighted) number of valid responses for the selected category. “Don’t know/No answer” can optionally be excluded when running a cross-tabulation.


By default you will see percentages over column totals, but you can change them to percentages over row total, over sample total or even see absolute values.

Why don’t the percentages add up to 100%?

Rounding, multi-response items, or excluded missing values can lead to totals slightly above or below 100%.Also when samples are weighted, the sum may be slightly different. 

How are missing values handled?

By default, “Don’t know/No answer/Refused” are included in calculations. You can exclude them from calculations by clicking the MV button placed over the chart. 

Can I compare results across time (waves)?

Yes. You can do this in two ways. Either you can click on the round buttons to see result in different rounds where the same question was asked, or else you can switch to time series by clicking the top Time Series button. 

Are variables fully comparable across countries and waves?

Not always. Some items may not be fielded in every wave. You can see the rounds where a variable has been asked by looking at the round buttons offered on top of the chart options (WVS-1, WVS-2, WVS-3....)

Selected samples control located beneath the results table
The Round buttonson top of the chart options.

Does ODA provide significance tests?

ODA reports descriptive statistics. For inference (e.g., tests or models), export your results and use statistical software.

What is the base (N) for a table?

The base is the weighted count of valid cases after applying filters and sample selection. Displayed Ns refer to this base.

Why is my table slow to load?

Very large selections (many countries/waves or many categories) take longer to compute. Reduce the number of samples or collapse categories to speed up rendering.

Which browsers are supported?

Recent versions of major browsers are recommended. For large tables, a desktop browser provides the best experience.

How should I cite results from ODA?

Please use the citation format provided for the you are using. See Study level downloads.