USING THE FRAMEWORKS

Frameworks for Australian Social Statistics presents frameworks for understanding, measuring and analysing the wellbeing of Australians. They can be used as a tool in considering what statistics and indicators are needed to allow in-depth analysis of the area of interest. This can then be used to focus and prioritise effort and investment.

Identify the issue

An environmental scan of current circumstances can be guided by considering each of the elements of Our wellbeing in the conceptual framework.

An environmental scan of emerging pressures and drivers can be guided by considering each of the elements of Our changing world in the Conceptual framework.

Scope out the issue

In the analysis of wellbeing it is advantageous to clarify the scope of the area or issue of interest. In Frameworks for Australian Social Statistics, the conceptual framework is the main tool for clarifying the scope, while the statistical framework provides guidance and structure on various social statistics topics.

The Social statistics themes from the Statistical framework can be cross-referenced against the conceptual framework elements for use in a broad scoping exercise.

Issues can be viewed from a personal, family, community, population group or from a societal perspective - see Wellbeing and social statistics for further discussion.

Linkages, relationships, pressures and drivers

There are many factors which are linked or related to the issue(s) of interest. It is important to consider whether there are pressures or drivers influencing current circumstances and trends. The conceptual framework can guide thinking about the main linkages.

The Our wellbeing dimension provides guidance on where there could be linkages and relationships.

The Our changing world dimension provides guidance on elements that may be pressures or drivers of the area of interest.

The Actions supporting wellbeing dimension provides guidance on what can be done to ease negative impacts or enhance positive impacts on our wellbeing resulting from pressures.

What are the information needs?

Identifying the key factors related to an issue of interest ensures that data collection and analysis have a clear direction and are relevant. Following the process of scoping the issue, the key factors can be identified. Information needs can be determined based on the key factors.

Social statistics themes

Australian social statistics are focused on a set of aspirations for the wellbeing of society. Each of these aspirations can be linked to a broad social statistics theme: population; family and community; culture and leisure; health; learning and knowledge; work; economic wellbeing; housing; the built and natural environment; information and communication technology; crime, safety and justice; governance. See Social statistics themes for further discussion.

Key population groups

Some groups of people may face greater challenges in accessing the same opportunities as others in the community, while other groups are more vulnerable than others. Because of this, community and government responses to social issues are also often directed at particular population groups. Identifying the key population groups relevant to an area of interest further clarifies the direction that analysis or data collection may need to take.

Population groups in the statistical framework provides guidance on the measurement of population groups of interest.

What statistical solutions are needed?

Consider what the output and analysis requirements are. It is important to consider what type of information is required to meet output requirements.

Which data sources and methods best support these solutions?

Once direction and structure are clear, best use can be made of existing data sources. Indicators or data can be selected that will answer the specific questions raised as social issues, or be relevant to specific population groups. Alternatively, where data gaps have been identified, the key aims, boundaries and issues of interest will also be clear.

The Frameworks for Australian Social Statistics provides a structure for thinking about what statistics and indicators are needed to develop and inform decision making.

The statistical framework provides information on a number of social themes and population groups which can assist your investigations. Useful resources are also provided.