Enhancing the Scope and Impact of Survey Methodology Through Collaboration Across Government, Academia, and the Private Sector

• Activity Number: 47
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Sunday, July 31, 2011 : 4:00 PM to 5:50 PM
• Sponsor: SPAIG Committee
• Author(s): John L. Eltinge*+
• Companies: Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Keywords: Adoption and diffusion of innovations ; Human resources ; Intangible capital ; Institutional culture ; Survey cost structures ; Systemic risk

Abstract

Statistical work with large-scale surveys and administrative record systems will generally benefit from a wide range of methodological tools. Some of these tools have had extensive prior use, e.g., methods for standard sample design, instrument design, and analysis of nonsampling errors. In other cases, the concepts and tools of interest have been developed for other settings, but have not been systematically adapted to the needs of large-scale survey organizations. Examples include the assessment of complex cost structures; evaluation of components of systemic risk; and management of the balance among multiple dimensions of cost, quality and risk. Development and implementation of sophisticated statistical tools for these other areas will require extensive interactions with statisticians who work outside of standard survey organizations, as well as collaboration across government, academia and the private sector.