Appendix 2 - Data Collection Methods
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Census
The Census of Population and Housing is the official count of the total Australian population. In Australia, there have been thirteen national censuses and a census is usually conducted every 5 years. The Census of Population and Housing is a self-enumerated collection. A questionnaire is left to be completed by householders at each dwelling in Australia. The census is a valuable source of information used by planners and decision-makers in all sectors of the community who need to know the geographic distribution of the population and its key social, demographic and economic characteristics.
Monthly population survey
The primary purpose of this survey is the provision of regular statistics on employment and unemployment. The main component of the survey is therefore the monthly labour force survey. In addition most monthly surveys include a short interview (about 3 minutes per household) on supplementary topics with data collected in conjunction with the labour force survey. The sample size is 30,000 dwellings per month with dwellings included in the survey for eight consecutive months. The first interview at the dwelling is in person and then subsequent interviews are by telephone. A responsible adult in the household provides information about all usual residents aged 15 years and over.
Special social surveys
These surveys aim to provide detailed in-depth information about a specific subject area or group within the population. They may vary in sample size (usually about 15,000 dwellings for the surveys described in this directory). They may be of varying length although a standard survey usually involves a 45 minute interview per household. These surveys may employ a range of methodologies (eg personal interview, diaries, mail back questionnaires) or include special features depending on survey objectives and the nature of the data to be collected.
Population survey monitor
This is a small quarterly omnibus survey (3,000 households) with personal interview of one person aged 18 years and over per household in February, May, August and November. Sample can be aggregated across quarters to an annual sample of 12,000 persons. Each quarterly survey includes a range of topics. The emphasis is on short development and processing time frames thus topics need to be straightforward. This survey commenced in August 1993 and will cease in November 2000.
Administrative data
ABS compiles statistics which have been generated as by-products of the administrative processes of government. Areas in which these statistics provide information about families and children include birth and death registrations (including infant mortality and causes of death), marriage and divorce registrations (including data on children affected by the divorce of their parents) and participation in education. ABS publishes information supplied by police forces in each jurisdiction on children who were victims of crime.
Print Page
Print All