What are alternative data sources, and how to use them?

Abstract

"National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) around the globe find themselves in a significantly different environment for obtaining information and providing statistical data for policy makers. For decades data could be collected via face-to-face or phone surveys, however, we now increasingly see calls to use alternative data sources to combat the rising costs of surveys as well as rising nonresponse rates. Moreover, leveraging existing alternative data sources can not only reduce the cost of surveys, but can also reduce the time it takes provide the desired information.<br> Data expert Frauke Kreuter, Joint Program in Survey Methodology, University of Maryland, University of Mannheim & IAB, Germany answers:<br> What are those alternative data sources everyone is talking about?<br> What is needed to make use of alternative data?" (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Kreuter, F. (2019): What are alternative data sources, and how to use them? In: The Survey statistician No. 79, p. 13-15.