(a) Tick the box under the appropriate column in respect of the survival status of the respondent's biological father and mother. Note that at times destitute children -are brought up or adopted at a very young age by relatives. Such foster parents should not be considered as the biological parents of the respondent. Please always probe to establish the reality of the situation.
(b) In some cases, a child's father/mother may not be married or living with the mother/father. In this case the mother/father might report that she/he does not know whether the father/mother of her child is alive or dead. In this case mark an "X" in the box for 'don't know'. You must always probe to ensure you obtain the most satisfactory answer.