This book, titled “Assessing the Quality of Survey Data” and authored by Jörg Blasius, offers a comprehensive guide for social scientists on evaluating the reliability and validity of survey data. First published in March 2012, it delves into innovative methods for interpreting variation and quantifying errors within survey responses. The text is enriched with practical applications, particularly focusing on techniques derived from Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), to help researchers develop screening procedures that can identify inconsistencies between observed responses and actual differences among respondents.

Utilizing well-established international data sets, the book elucidates various non-substantive variations arising from factors such as acquiescence bias, respondent misunderstanding of questions, substandard fieldwork practices, interview fatigue, and even instances where interviews are partially fabricated. Through accessible explanations and real-world examples, readers gain a robust understanding of how to detect and mitigate these issues, thereby enhancing the overall quality of their survey data analysis.

With 192 pages dedicated to elucidating these critical concepts, “Assessing the Quality of Survey Data” is an indispensable resource for scholars and practitioners in the field of social science research methodologies.