Session Organiser: Susanne Vogl & Marek Fuchs
4th European Survey Research Association (ESRA) conference
Lausanne, Switzerland
18-22 July, 2011

Deadline for abstracts: 14th January 2011


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CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS
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Surveys are an important tool of social science research. They provide, among
others, data on the attitudes, behaviors, health issues, political interests and of the
population  in a given society which in turn might be used in the political decision
making process or for civil planning and economic investments. Accordingly, the
quality of the data obtained is of crucial importance.

The list of potential distortions in data quality is organized into the total survey
error framework. Among others, measurement error, coverage error and
non-response error add to the sampling error. For general population surveys the
literature provides  evidence on many of the variance and bias components of the total
survey error and how to address them in the design and the field work of a survey.

Recently, however, more and more surveys are concerned with special populations,
 e.g. children, the elderly, the disabled, ethnic minorities, elites and people with
special illnesses. There is growing interest in these groups, in part because of a
particular research interest in them, e.g. due to disadvantaged living conditions,
their special needs, their wealth etc. In addition, survey researchers are interested
in these special groups, because the negligence of the behaviors and attitudes of
those special groups in general population surveys has significant negative effects
on the quality of estimates derived from such survey. As a consequence, these
special populations are either included in general population surveys or they
become subject to independent studies.

Compared to surveys in the general adult population, special requirements and
precautions might arise with respect to the survey procedures, when administering
a survey to members of a special population. Choosing a survey mode, the sample
designs, gaining acceptance and consent, tailoring the survey instrument, defining
the interview setting, and establishing rapport are just a few of the key aspects
to consider when designing a survey for a special population or when dealing with
a members of a special population during field work of a general population survey.

In session on "Data Quality in Special Population Surveys" we want to stimulate a
discussion of experiences from the field as well as of results from field-experimental
or laboratory experimental studies on various components of the total survey error
when dealing with special populations. We welcome papers on one or several of the
following aspects:

• Sample frame and coverage issues
• Sampling procedures, problems of accessibility
• Unit-Nonresponse
• Limitations of different modes
• New technologies in data collection
• Measurement and wording
• Cognitive and verbal skills of respondents
• Response sets
• Interactive skills, interviewer-respondent interaction
• Interviewer related aspects


To be considered for inclusion in the scientific programme of ESRA 2011, please
submit an abstract of your paper containing no more than 250 words via the ESRA
website:

http://surveymethodology.eu/conferences/

To submit a presentation, sign up or log in to the ESRA website. After logging
in with your account, click "Propose a new presentation" to start submitting.

The closing date for submission of paper proposals is 14 January 2011.

The deadline for notifcation of presenters is 28 January 2011.