Innovations in data collection methods in a household panel survey

The Understanding Society Innovation Panel offers doctoral researchers the opportunity to test new methods of data collection

We are looking for candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in Survey Methodology conducting research on innovative data collection methods using Understanding Society data.

The Understanding Society study collects detailed social science information from a representative sample of the UK population at the household level. The study also runs a programme of research on innovations in data collection methods that is supported by the Innovation Panel: a separate sample that is used for experimental methods research and testing.

How can the scope and quality of survey data be extended beyond what can be collected with annual questionnaires? That is the main question addressed by research on innovations in data collection methods for Understanding Society. Data collected through survey questions are limited to information that respondents know and are willing to report, and that can be asked (retrospectively) in a relatively short amount of time.

Recent technological changes and the digitalisation of our lives are leading to shifts in the way that National Statistical Institutes and survey organisations collect data: questionnaire based survey data can be linked with existing process-generated (‘big’) data (such as administrative records, financial transactions data, social media data, etc) and new types of data can be collected with different technologies (such as smartphone applications, wearable devices and sensors).

The aims of combining data generated in different ways are to increase the research value of data by providing new, more detailed, or more accurate measures than can be collected with survey questions alone. Combining data generated in different ways however has implications for total survey error, in particular for selectiveness in who participates and measurement quality.

This studentship will provide the opportunity for a talented student to take advantage of our programme of work. Due to the long lead time for data collection applicants should consider using existing (experimental) data from the Innovation Panel for their first PhD paper, although they will have opportunities to be involved in the design and implementation of survey methods experiments during the course of their PhD for subsequent chapters. Research questions for the first chapter could for example include the following:

  • How best to implement data collection using mobile devices, to maximise participation, minimise selection biases, and maximise accuracy of measurement? For current research that we are conducting on this topic, see here.
  • How to maximise informed consent to data linkage in web surveys? Consent rates in web surveys are lower than in face-to-face surveys, are the non-consent biases different in the two modes too? For current research, see here.
  • How best to implement periodic mini surveys to identify life events that happen in the interval between panel interviews, and could be used to trigger follow-up surveys. For current research, see here.
  • How do panel respondents react to a ‘system of data collection’ where they are asked to do a range of additional tasks in addition to completing annual questionnaires? What influences which additional tasks they do or do not comply with? This could include analyses of Innovation Panel data where respondents have been asked for consent to different data linkages, to provide biomeasures including blood and hair samples, to participate in monthly mini surveys, and to install and use mobile apps for data collection.   

This PhD in survey methodology is based at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of Essex, a world leading centre for survey methodology research

Applications

About the studentship

  • Please contact supervisor for informal discussions about your ideas: aejack@essex.ac.uk
  • The Innovations in data collection methods studentship is funded by the host institution contribution linked to the Understanding Society grant from Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and is part of the sociology pathway within the SeNSS Doctoral Training Partnership, full details of the SeNSS DTP can be found on the SeNSS website.
  • Applicants must have a degree in an appropriate area of sociology, economics or other social science, statistics, health sciences and have strong quantitative skills and an appropriate research training, Masters degree or equivalent assessed training or demonstrably equivalent professional experience.
  • As well as your application form and cv, you will need to include a research proposal of around 2000 words setting out your ideas for investigating innovative data collection using Understanding Society.
  • Now accepting applications. Closing date 28 February 2023. Interviews will take place in March.
  • This studentship covers tuition fees and provides a tax free stipend to cover your living costs, this is set at £17,668  per year.
  • International students are eligible to apply for this studentship. International fees will be waived for this studentship for the duration of the studentship.

Please apply through the University of Essex online portal application system stating this ISER studentship in your application.

Degrees

Taught and research degrees

Why ISER

Supervision and teaching from leading academics

Funding

Fully-funded studentships through our Doctoral Training Centre

How to apply

A step by step guide