Royal Statistical Society Social Statistics Section
20 January 2009, 5.00pm, at the Royal Statistical Society
(Tea from 4.30pm)
Innovation in Longitudinal Survey Methods
Peter Lynn, University of Essex
Understanding Society: the UK Household Longitudinal Study begins data
collection in January 2009. With a target sample size of 40,000 households
and a large boost of ethnic minority households this survey represents the
largest single investment in academic social research resources ever
launched in the UK (for further details visit
www.understandingsociety.org.uk). An exciting element is the inclusion of an
"innovation panel" of around 1500 households, the purpose of which is to
develop and test various aspects of the survey methodology.
The first wave of data collection with the innovation panel took place in
early 2008 and included a number of experiments. Several were concerned with
comparing alternative ways of asking questions. These covered expenditure
data, 7 versus 11-point scales, satisfaction questions, unearned income and
fertility and partnership histories. Other issues examined included
respondent incentives, consent questions, respondent reactions to the
interview and the potential for mixed mode approaches at future waves. The
presentation will summarise the findings from wave 1 and will also outline
the experimentation that is taking place on wave 2 in early 2009.
Ian Plewis will chair the seminar. Attendance is free but pre-registration
is recommended. You can register by email: [log in to unmask] or by phone
(020) 7638 8998. For a map and directions see www.rss.org.uk/findus. We
anticipate the seminar will finish at around 6pm. For further information
contact Ian Plewis on [log in to unmask]
|