I am downloading IPUMS-CPS ASEC (only) variables in small groups to keep the filesizes manageable. I want to make sure that I can connect the variables in any of these files to those from the same individual in any other file. What is the minimum set of variables that will allow me to do this? YEAR, SERIAL & PERNUM, maybe?
Yes, using YEAR, SERIAL, and PERNUM is the best way to attach groups of variables back onto the same person record.
Hope this helps!