This paper seeks to identify and address issues that may arise with the use and analysis of the linked Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) and the National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) data.

The study first explores the factors affecting an LSAY respondent’s propensity to consent to the data linkage, the aim being to investigate any resultant bias in the linked data. The study also describes two associated procedures: the application of customised weights to deal with the potential bias; and a representativity analysis, which indicates how representative the consenting respondents are of the target population. Finally, the findings from the study are used as the basis of recommendations and guidance for researchers on the use of the linked LSAY-NAPLAN data in analyses.