The Importance of Survey Methods and Quantitative Surveys for Fit-for-Purpose Public Statistics

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center 

High-quality public statistics are essential for public policies and the exercise of citizenship. Although survey methods are often overlooked, quantitative surveys play a crucial role in generating relevant public statistics. To inform ongoing debate about the need for quantitative surveys in our evolving information society, two recent Brazilian surveys on specific social and economic issues will be presented. One survey collected data on the effects of a tragic dam collapse on labour, income, and subsistence among affected populations in 45 Brazilian cities. The collapse constitutes Brazil's worst environmental tragedy caused by a technological disaster of the mining industry, in which 43 million m3 of iron ore tailings caused environmental damage, polluting 668km of watercourses. The other is a household survey designed to inform public policy in a single town and to provide local area statistics. The city is a pioneer in Brazil in conducting a large-scale survey, interviewing 13,900 households. The value of household surveys is recognised when the data collected are crucial for decision-making and suitable for their intended purpose.

Survey Methods

Household surveys

Public statistics

Environmental disaster

Policy evaluation 

Survey Research Methods Section