To ensure optimal conditions for a secondary analysis of the ALLBUS data the conception and technical execution of the survey is thoroughly documented in a special methodological report for each inquiry.

The International Social Survey Program brings together research institutes from all over the world with the aim of conducting an annual inquiry on specific topics. In its role within the ISSP GESIS' research is mainly focused on all aspects of methodological development (implementation of survey instruments, equivalence problems, etc.).

The topical research emphasis of the German Microdata Lab lies in the field of social structure analysis; the department's methodologically-oriented research is concerned with questions related to data quality or the effects of measures taken to insure anonymity.

The Social Indicators is involved in research on social indicators and social reporting. It currently participates in the international project "Comparative Charting of Social Change," in the development of a system of social indicators (EUSI) as part of the project "EUROREPORTING" as well as in the project "Welfare Survey 98" conducted in cooperation with the Science Centre Berlin for Social Research (WZB).