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Consulting

Harmonization of survey instruments

The comparability of survey data is often a crucial aspect of data quality. This includes comparability across countries and languages, subpopulations, time, different question formulations and response scales, as well as survey modes. Ideally, comparability means that we are measuring the same concept with the same precision and using the same units of measurement (i.e., the same scaling). We offer consultation both on assessing comparability and improving the comparability of already collected survey data, known as ex-post harmonization.

On this page, you will find our consulting services for the ex-post harmonization of survey data. Of course, we also provide advice on ex-ante harmonization, meaning assuring comparability during the questionnaire design phase, especially in the areas of questionnaire translation and sociodemographic characteristics.

Our consulting services on harmonization

Harmonization of latent constructs

Latent constructs, such as attitudes, values, intentions, emotions, or personality traits, are often measured using different questions and response scales. We provide consultation on techniques for assessing the comparability between such diverse instruments and on how to enhance this comparability through ex-post harmonization.

Harmonization of socio-structural variables

In survey research, sociostructural characteristics are key analytical criteria as they reveal important societal groups and the social structure of societies. We offer information and consultation on harmonizing sociodemographic characteristics across samples, for example, in international comparisons.

Harmonizing survey data across modes

Even within a single survey program, various modes are often used, such as in mixed-mode designs where paper and web surveys are combined, or when the mode changes over time. We provide consultation on methods for assessing comparability across modes and on ex-post harmonization techniques to improve comparability after data collection.

Who is this service for?
We provide consultation to researchers within the context of research and infrastructure projects, whose outputs benefit the social sciences (e.g., through publications, publicly available data, or validated measurement instruments). Unfortunately, we are unable to offer advice on bachelor's or master's theses.

What are the costs?
Short consultations, offered as a form of guidance for self-help, are free of charge. We are also happy to support you with more in-depth, fee-based consulting services. Further details can be found in our pricing overview.

Cognitive pretesting
Empirically assess the comprehensibility and validity of questions in-depth

Sampling
We draw telephone samples and complex samples for you

Weighting and analysis of complex data
We perform weighting, imputation, or nonresponse bias analyses for you

GESIS survey guides
Practical guidelines on survey methodology topics

SQP - Survey quality predictor
Estimate the measurement quality of questions using meta-analysis

Meet the Experts - Season 1: Survey Methodology
Recorded lectures from our "Meet the Experts" series

QuestionLink
Harmonization of questions for selected constructs with recoding scripts and an R package for your own projects

Get in touch

Heller, Dr. Ayline
Survey Design and Methodology
Questionnaire Design and Evaluation

+49 (0621) 1246-283
Ayline•Heller[at]gesis•org
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