International Practices
This site provides links to standards and procedures on Survey Quality and Best Practices documented by National Statistical Offices and other national and international organisations.
National Statistical Offices Standards and Procedures
Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada Quality Guidelines
Survey Methodology Journal
Published twice yearly by Statistics Canada, Survey Methodology focuses on the development and evaluation of techniques used in data collection and interpretation. You can subscribe to the journal or purchase any of its publications produced since 1975 by contacting Statistics Canada.
Office of National Statistics - UK
Statistical Quality checklist
This booklet provides users with information about the quality of statistics and about analytical techniques used to derive the figures. It shows current best practice in presenting this information. Broad topics covered include objectives, coverage, design, analysis and extensions. This booklet can be purchased from the ONS direct.
Reducing statistical burdens on business
This paper discusses the nature of statistical burdens on business and the various methods to reduce them. It describes experience of measures in the UK, especially the use of existing administrative data sources, development of business registers and electronic data collection methods.
Quality work and conflicting quality objectives
This paper sets out to describe the various facets of quality in official statistics and the ways in which the ONS tries to deliver it. The paper also describes some of the conflicts that arise between different facets of quality.
Guidelines for measuring quality
A framework to assist in reporting on data quality issues. The guidelines use six European statistical service dimensions of quality developed by Eurostat.
Statistics New Zealand
Protocols for Official Statistics
The protocols have been developed as a code of practice for the production and release of official statistics in New Zealand. The purpose of the protocols is to set out principles for establishing and maintaining confidence in official statistics. Guidelines for implementing these principles are set out in this document. The Protocols document is a downloadable free item.
A Guide to Good Survey Design (2nd edition)
The guide deals briefly with undertaking, designing, managing and processing a survey. Also included is a reading list for fuller treatments of specific issues and suggestions about where to obtain expert opinion and advice. The guide can be purchased from the Statistics New Zealand direct.
Respondent Load Strategy
This Respondent Load Strategy, published in February 2008, provides a framework for initiatives that manage and minimise the respondent load associated with Statistics New Zealand surveys over the next three to five years. For businesses, individuals and communities, the strategy will clarify the expectations placed on them and the value exchange associated with providing data.
Guidelines for Publishing Data Subject to Error
Users generally recognise that data are subject to error and therefore need to know whether the data are sufficiently accurate to be useful to them. To make this assessment, they need to be informed of the likely principal sources of error and, where possible, the size of the error. They also need to know of unusual circumstances which might influence the data. This document provides guidelines on what should ideally be included when the documentation and publication of results of a statistical programme are being planned or reviewed. This is a downloadable free item.
U.S. Census Bureau
Information Quality Guidelines
The guidelines discuss how the U.S. Census Bureau maintains the quality of its data and information products. Topics covered include: developing concepts and methods; planning and designing surveys; other means of collecting data; data collection; processing; editing; and more.
Other National Standards and Procedures
The Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS)
Code of Professional Behaviour of AMSRS
The MRSA adopted the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)/European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR) Code in 1995 as the AMSRS Code of Professional Behaviour. The associated Notes on how the Code should be applied have been modified for Australian market and social research practice.
New Zealand Statistical Association
Guidelines for Code of Conduct
These guidelines outline the principal duties which all members of the New Zealand Statistical Association should endeavour to discharge in pursuing their professional lives.
National Center for Education Statistics (US)
Best Practices for Data Collectors and Data Provider
This report addresses the issues on what can be done to better coordinate data definitions and surveys on a national basis to achieve greater comparability and relieve institutional data burden.
Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology (US)
Confidentiality and Data Access Committee
CDAC is sponsored by the Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology to provide a forum for staff members of federal statistical agencies to communicate on confidentiality and data access topics
