Planning and Developing Methods for the Proliferation of Non-Probability Data Sources

• Activity Number: 434 - Survey Research Methods Section A.M. Roundtable Discussion (Added Fee)
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 : 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM
• Sponsor: Survey Research Methods Section
• Author(s): Kennon Copeland*
• Companies: NORC at the University of Chicago
• Keywords: Administrative Data; Social Media Data; Organic Data; Nonprobability Surveys; Estimation

Abstract

One paradigm shift of importance in survey methodology is the trend toward greater use of non-probability survey data, administrative data, and organic data such as that from social media. This trend has gained traction due to factors such as increased availability, extensive data, reduced costs, and timeliness. Rather than assuming this a passing fad or attacking any use of such data, survey statisticians should develop approaches ensuring appropriate use, such as weighting methods for integration with probability survey data and estimation models which incorporate probability survey data. We should also work toward guidelines for appropriate use, caveats, interpretation, and error measurement. We will discuss current state, examples, and possible direction.