5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Standardized surveys are a central pillar for data collection in social science. Despite the trend for online surveys in recent decades, more traditional survey modes are still being used frequently. Each of the survey modes comes with its pros and cons in terms of measurement quality, which is why mixed-mode surveys have become a useful alternative.

This session aims to promote the discussion of methodological advances in ensuring the measurement quality in surveys in single mode but also mixed-mode surveys as well as the usage of para and behavioral data for improving data quality. Contributions may cover but are not limited to the following research topics:
• Validity and reliability of measurement instruments
• Procedures and protocols to reduce (heterogeneity of) processing errors
• Effects of questionnaire design on respondents’ motivation during the survey
• Developments in the usage of para data for data quality checks
• Surveys and digital behavioral data
• Survey experiments
• Improvements in tackling item nonresponse
• Interviewer effects and coping strategies
• Application of mixed-mode designs to improve measurement quality