Federal Institute for Population Research

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bunte Geburtstagstorte zum 50. Geburtstag mit brennenden Kerzen (refer to: 50 years of Comparative Population Studies – a look back and ahead) | Source: © Lukas Gojda/stock.adobe.com

Interview50 years of Comparative Population Studies – a look back and ahead

Founded by the BiB in 1975: The journal Comparative Population Studies (CPoS) has been shaping population science research ever since. Dr. Katrin Schiefer, the editor in charge, looks at achievements, challenges and potential.

Journal ArticlesDie Zukunft sozialwissenschaftlicher Surveys und Panelinfrastrukturen

Bujard, Martin; Wagner, Gert G. (2023)

WISTA 6/2023: 56–68

Social science surveys remain important in the age of big data, as they are representative and use scientifically validated instruments to cover relevant topics. They complement official statistical data because they also measure attitudes and personality traits and employ long-term longitudinal survey designs. This article provides an overview of the existing social science survey and panel infrastructures in Germany and Europe. Expected innovations are also outlined. The increase in web-based survey modes is driving a surge in innovation, which is making in-year surveys and experimental survey components more feasible. Life and behavioural science concepts and microdata from other data sets will be more closely linked to social science surveys.