Sociodemographic characteristics
Survey instruments for sociodemographic characteristics
Standardized measurement is the best way to collect comparable data. In Germany, since the early 1990s, recommendations have been available for the standardized measurement of sociodemographic characteristics in surveys: the “Demographische Standards”. These are joint recommendations from the Working Group of German Market and Social Research Institutes (ADM), the Association of Social Science Institutes (ASI), and the Federal Statistical Office. Their purpose is to standardize the collection of socio-structural characteristics in surveys (i.e., harmonizing the input) to achieve comparability between surveys. We offer advice to researchers and survey projects on the collection of sociodemographic characteristics in all types of surveys and specifically on the use and customization of the “Demographische Standards” as needed.
Output harmonization across samples or studies
Many studies, for various reasons, do not use standardized instruments for sociodemographic characteristics. To still enable comparison or even combination of data across studies, variables that measure the same sociodemographic characteristics must be harmonized after data collection. In the KonsortSWD project, sociodemographic standard variables were developed for German studies. We provide consultation to researchers and research data centers (RDCs) on the application of these standard variables and other issues related to output harmonization of sociodemographic variables in your survey data, including international surveys.
Measurement and harmonization of education
A person’s level of education, alongside their age and gender, is a particularly crucial background characteristic. Reliable, valid, and comparable measurement is challenging due to the complexity and continuous changes in the education system, as well as the federal structure typical of Germany. In cross-national studies, the different education systems further complicate comparable measurement. We offer consultation on the measurement, coding, and harmonization of education in all types of surveys.
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
