August 3, 12:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Communicating Qualitative Research Findings to a Statistical Audience, led by Kathy Downey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Qualitative research methods, such as cognitive interviewing and focus groups, have become commonplace in survey research. These methods are typically used to aid development of data-collection instruments and contact strategies. Findings using these methods may alert statisticians to potential nonsampling errors and users to potential data discrepancies. Thus, it is important that qualitative research findings be communicated effectively to statistical audiences. The purpose of this roundtable is to engage qualitative researchers, sampling statisticians, and statistical data users in a constructive dialogue that focuses on effective communication of qualitative research findings as they relate to survey research. Participants will take away an improved understanding of the underlying assumptions, interpretation, and report generation of qualitative research findings.
August 3, 12:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Best Practices for Asking Questions on Sexual Orientation on Surveys, led by Elizabeth Saewyc of the Internal Revenue Service and Barry Wayne Johnson of The University of British Columbia
In 2009, the Sexual Minority Research Assessment Team completed the report Best Practices for Asking Questions on Sexual Orientation on Surveys. Over five years, a multidisciplinary expert panel pooled decades of knowledge and experience, conducted new methodological research, and met with many survey specialists to identify the best scientific approaches to gathering data on sexual orientation. This report is the culmination of the work of this panel. Elizabeth Saewyc, one of the report’s authors, will lead a discussion highlighting the report’s recommendations.
August 4, 12:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Evaluation and Management of Cost Structures in Statistical Work with Administrative Record Data, led by John L. Eltinge of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Statistical organizations often consider using data from administrative records to supplement or replace data from standard sample surveys. This work with administrative data often can involve costs that are substantial and difficult to measure. In this roundtable, participants will be invited to share their experiences with the evaluation and management of these cost structures, including the following:
- Costs attributable to specific steps in work with administrative record data, including initial work with the data-originating organization; data management; record matching; review, editing, and imputation; and systems development and maintenance
- Methods to obtain solid empirical information on the above-mentioned cost components
- Methods for realistic comparisons of the costs of obtaining data from sample surveys and administrative records, respectively
August 4, 12:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Fitting Multilevel Models to Complex Sample Survey Data, led by Brady West of the Institute for Social Research
This roundtable discussion will aim to spark conversation about state-of-the-art (and available) computing methods for taking model-based approaches to the analysis of complex sample survey data. Topics for discussion include multilevel modeling of panel (longitudinal) survey data, programs for handling survey weights appropriately when fitting multilevel models to survey data, general software options for applied researchers working with survey data, published examples in which participants might be willing to share code from the analyses, and how to make recommendations for nonstatistical clientele.
Visit the online program for up-to-date session times and locations.
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