Analysis of Household Surveys using Detailed Household Information

Speaker: David Steel

Affiliation: Centre for Statistical and Survey Methodology, University of Wollongong

Time: Friday 24/06/2011 from 14:00 to 15:00

Venue: Access Grid UWS. Presented from Parramatta (EB.1.32), accessible from Campbelltown (26.1.50) and Penrith (Y239).

Abstract: Household surveys are a popular tool for obtaining information about the general population or sub-populations. For example, a sample may be selected by selecting a sample of households and then selecting all or a sample of the people from the people in selected households. Statistical analysis of social data will often focus on the individual, although in recent years there is increasing recognition of the need to also account for the contexts that may affect people. Multi-level modelling is one approach, possibly incorporating contextual variables. Accounting for geographical context is a popular approach. The household is also a potential context and so can be considered in the statistical analysis but is rarely included.

In this presentation we will examine how important it is to include the household when considering the analysis of social survey data.

This research is supported by a joint ARC/ESRC International Linkage Grant, involving CSSM at the University of Wollongong and the Centre for Census and Survey Research at the University of Manchester.

Biography: Professor David Steel is Director of the Centre for Statistical and Survey Methodology at the University of Wollongong. He leads a research team focusing on survey methodology, sample survey design and analysis methods for complex social and economic data. Ten major grants have supported this research since 1995. He has extensive experience in developing sample design and estimation procedures for a wide range of sample surveys through his 17 years experience with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, prior to joining the University of Wollongong (UoW) in 1992.

Prof Steel is an accredited statistician with the Statistical Society of Australia. He has undertaken survey design projects with a number of national and international agencies. Prof Steel has active links with industry, which includes projects with ABS and Statistics New Zealand, UK Office for National Statistics, NSW Health and NZ Ministry of Health on methodological issues associated with their survey programme. He is a member of the ABS’s Methodological Advisory Committee. He has a Bachelor (Hons), Masters and PhD degrees in Statistics.