Working with Cross-National Survey Data

About

Analysing changes in attitudes and values across countries is far from simple because 1) measuring attitudes and values is more risky and error-prone than measuring verifiable facts and behaviour patterns, 2) measuring change over time adds a level of complexity to the analysis and interpretation of findings, and 3) cross-national differences and similarities have to be seen against the background of variations in social structure, legal systems, language, politics, economics and culture across countries.
Because of these inherent problems, when analysing comparative data some information is required on how data is collected, e.g. about sampling procedures, response rates and survey modes. This is especially important because differences in methods and implementation can be a major cause of differences in survey results between countries.
The course will present an introduction to the main issues raised by the design and use of cross-national surveys and will have three main parts:
• comparative survey traditions;
• an overview of cross-national surveys and databases;
• harmonisation strategies, survey design issues, and impediments to optimal comparability.
The course will tackle theoretical and practical aspects of cross-national surveys. The focus will be on the European Social Survey (ESS). The main course objective is to convey key issues and dilemmas in the design and implementation of large scale cross-national surveys and the possible consequences for optimal comparability.

Course leader

Ineke Stoop The Netherlands Institute for Social Research/SCP

Target group

advanced students and junior researchers in political science and adjacent disciplines

Course aim

as above