Issues in Implementing Adaptive Survey Design

• Activity Number: 93
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Monday, August 10, 2015 : 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM
• Sponsor: Government Statistics Section
• Author(s): Peter Miller*
• Keywords: adaptive design ; paradata ; responsive design

Abstract

Adaptive (or responsive) survey design is under investigation in a number of government surveys. The approach makes use of auxiliary frame data and paradata to tailor and adjust data collection methods as fieldwork progresses to achieve data quality and cost goals. This roundtable is an opportunity for adaptive design practitioners to discuss their implementation experiences and findings. Topics may include issues related to establishing the data infrastructure and field organization needed to implement adaptive design, adaptive interventions employed in the course of data collection, indicators of cost and data quality, data collection stopping rules, and assessments of the effects of adaptive design on costs and data quality. Examples from research at the U.S. Census Bureau will be presented. Participants will gain a broader understanding of how adaptive design is being used in survey research, along with its promise and challenges.