Date: April 28/29, 2017
Location: University of Mannheim

Measurement Error is a core element of the Total Survey Error approach. Measurement Error addresses the validity of inferences from empirical survey data to the theoretical concept under investigation, or the theoretical relationship between concepts. Together with the degree of representativeness regarding the target population, which addresses the quality of the realized sample, the quality of measurement determines the overall quality of empirical (survey) data. While methodological research over the last decades has focused on establishing international standards with respect to sampling design and non-response, the area of measurement was rather disregarded. The conference focuses on measurement quality and methods for the evaluation and reduction of measurement error in empirical data, against the backdrop of the Total Survey Error framework. We thus invite presentations focusing on estimating and improving validity as well as systematic and non-systematic measurement error. Measurement invariance and response effects in comparative and mixed-mode research, as well as interviewer effects on responses and coding errors are issues that can be addressed as well. Of particular interest is research capturing different sources of errors or different measurement quality aspects and therefore systematically analyzing measurement error from a holistic perspective. Examples of research questions would be: how do methods of item development and selection affect validity and reliability of the resulting data, including their comparability across groups? How can validity and reliability be estimated in the absence of multi-item measures? What are the mechanisms underlying response sets, e.g. over- or under-reporting as elements of systematic measurement error, and how can undesired effects of the measurement situation be reduced?

The conference will be held at the University of Mannheim (Schloss, Ostflügel, Fuchs-Petrolub-Festsaal O 138). The conference starts at 11am on April 28th and ends at 1pm on April 29th. The language of the conference is German. Presentations in English are possible.

We look forward to welcoming you in Mannheim.