Training Needs for Survey Statisticians in Developed and Developing Countries

• Activity Number: 187
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: International Association of Survey Statisticians
• Author(s): Graham Kalton*+
• Affiliation(s): Westat, Inc.
• Keywords: survey sampling ; survey methods

Abstract

Survey research is an activity that requires the integration of skills from many disciplines. To carry out a survey requires expertise in defining research objectives, questionnaire construction, sampling, modes of data collection, data management, data processing, and survey analysis. This paper discusses the training needed to provide these skills for survey researchers in developed and in developing countries. It covers both types of training program and the contents of those programs. In large-scale survey organizations, surveys are generally conducted by teams composed of individuals with specialized expertise in specific components of the survey process. Even in this specialized environment, team members need a good familiarity with the whole of the survey process in order to make their contributions meld into the overall design. Thus, the training needs of survey researchers may be best served by combining a broad program in survey methods with a strong concentration in a specific area. Training programs should be strong in survey practice. Since communication skills are vital, effective training to develop these skills should be included.