In this study, the reliability and validity of student reports of parental SES characteristics was investigated. Using panel data for student reports and independent surveys of both mothers and fathers, it was found that student reports were relatively stable over time and were more reliably measured for parental education than for either father's income or occupation. The validities of the reports were, for all but income reports, moderate. The validity of income reports was very low. It was concluded that student reports should be utilized with some caution, and, where possible, direct measures of parental SES should be used.
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