The September pre-election study asked the respondents to assess their present and future economic situation, as well as the future economic situation of the Federal Republic. This study also examined the respondents' interest in politics and sources of political information. Scalometers were used in evaluating the major political figures of 1961 and the three major political parties. A series of questions sought the respondents' descriptions of the chacteristics of the CDU/CSU and SPD. This study also assessed the perceived partisan leanings of various social groups. Questions investigating the respondents' anticipated voting behavior in the 1961 election, expectations about the election outcome, and long-term voting histories were also included. Interviews were conducted with a national area probability sample of citizens of the Federal Republic including West Berlin, who were over 15 years of age. The interviews were conducted in September 1961, prior to the federal elections.