Surveys are one of the major data collection methods today and provide data for a large proportion of social science research and official statistics. The quality of survey data is crucial to today's society. Survey design and implementation determine to a large amount data quality and are of central importance to survey planners and practitioners.

This course focuses on reducing measurement error in surveys and the role of survey design and implementation in improving the efficiency and quality of data collection. The course draws on the recently published International Handbook of Survey Methodology » and introduces the cornerstones of data quality and the role of measurement error in surveys. Topics include the influence of data collection method, modern technologies, and mixed-mode design on survey error. Special attention will be given to sources of measurement error that, in principle, can be reduced by good survey design (questionnaire, interviewer). Of particular interest are the current theories and empirical knowledge related to asking questions, question writing and testing, and optimizing a questionnaire for a specific mode. Participants will obtain a clear overview of recent methods and practical guidelines for quality survey design.