Data sources, Data Quality and Data Integration

[Convenors: M Western U Qld and Hugo U Adel].

Data acquisition (through pursuing data collection and the use of secondary data), data mining and enhancement, data integration, data warehousing, and data interrogation are fundamental issues in SISS research and must be systematically addressed by the Network.

Key issues of concern are:

1. issues of data quality, validity and reliability;
2. considerations of sampling, other sources of survey errors and bias, and questionnaire design;
3. the generation of benchmarked data vis-à-vis mode of analysis;
4. generating synthetic estimates through data reduction and micro-simulation techniques;
5. using imputation tools to estimate missing data;
6. appraising the relevance of the ABS geographic classification framework for social science research.

Undertaking cutting-edge quantitative analysis and modelling of SISS data requires access to statistical software packages, expert advice, GIS-based tools for data integration, and a capability to visualise outputs, which will be facilitated through the Network supporting the development of on-line integrated databases and information systems. There will be direct liaison between this Working Group and the ABS.

Note: The outcomes of the Paradigm Working Groups will be crucial in providing the conceptual framework and developing the methodologies for funded research projects to be pursued through the activities of the Applications Working Groups.