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.