We are looking for answers to the social questions of our time
At GESIS we conduct basic and applied research in the field of survey methodology. Our survey research is divided into the focus areas of survey statistics, survey instruments, survey operations, and comparative surveys. We pursue the goal of gaining evidence-based insights into how surveys and their data quality can be optimized. Within the framework of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we evaluate existing research and identify research gaps. In the research area of survey methodology, we also explore the connection of survey data with digital behavioral data (e.g., social media profiles, smartphone usage data, or browsing histories) and examine how these data types can be complemented and combined. To this end, we are also driving the transfer of established concepts for assessing the data quality of surveys to digital behavioral data.
Democracy Research
In this area, we focus on political participation, in particular elections and voting behavior, political attitudes, representation issues, and the role of institutions as well as traditional and social media in political processes.
Social Inequality and Gender Equality
In this area, we analyze educational, income, wealth, and labor market inequalities with a particular focus on gender, migration, and social mobility.
Social Transformation Processes
In this area, we analyze the social implications of long-term transformation processes such as digitalization, climate change, and demographic change as well as the effects of these transformations on social and political processes and structures.