Message from Incoming Survey Research Methods Section Chair

Jill Montaquila

Happy New Year! This is an exciting time for our profession and the field of survey research. The world is changing rapidly, and our profession and field are changing with it. I would like to take a moment to outline a few activities the Survey Research Methods Section (SRMS) will take part in over the next year.

Much will be centered on the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM), to be held in Montréal, Québec, Canada, in August. SRMS will again sponsor many activities, including short courses and multiple technical sessions. If you will be in Montréal for JSM, check out the program for the SRMS business meeting and mixer, normally held Wednesday evening. Both section members and non-members are welcome to attend and learn more about the section’s activities, provide ideas and input into future activities, and socialize with colleagues.

Besides the technical sessions at JSM, SRMS is planning a series of webinars to take place throughout the year. The webinars are announced to the SRMS membership via email and in the section newsletter, and information about upcoming webinars is provided on the section website.

An exciting new development is the launch of a new scholarly journal that provides an outlet for new developments in the field of survey research. The Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology (JSSAM) will begin publishing in 2013. Co-sponsored by the ASA and American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), JSSAM aims “to publish cutting-edge scholarly articles on statistical and methodological issues for sample surveys, censuses, administrative record systems, and other related data.”

This year is the International Year of Statistics. If you have ideas about activities SRMS can take part in to increase the visibility of our profession, encourage and support members of our profession (particularly younger members), and/or promote new developments in our field, let us know by sending your suggestion(s) to the SRMS Executive Committee at asa.srms@gmail.com.

Best wishes to all of you throughout the New Year!