Advances in Life History Data Collection |
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| Coordinator 1 | Dr Sebastian Lang (Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories (LIfBi)) |
The collection of life history data presents unique methodological challenges within survey research, particularly when conducted through self-administered modes. Life history data, which capture the sequence, timing, duration, and likely other detailed information about events throughout an individual's life, are essential for understanding complex social phenomena such as education and employment trajectories. However, collecting accurate and reliable data on past life events is notoriously difficult. Respondents often face significant cognitive burdens when asked to recall events that may have occurred years or even decades ago. Factors such as memory lapses, recall bias, and inconsistencies, such as in the order of events, can all contribute to inaccuracies that can affect the quality and reliability of the data collected.
Retrospective surveys using traditional questionnaire methods are particularly susceptible to these problems. Various methods, such as life history calendars (LHCs), have been proposed to mitigate some of these challenges. At the same time, in an era of declining response rates and rising survey costs in interviewer-administered modes, self-administered modes, and consequently web-based surveys, are on the rise. However, the implementation of these methods in self-administered surveys presents new challenges. Without interviewer assistance, respondents may struggle to accurately report the information they are asked to provide, potentially leading to higher error rates and incomplete data.
In addition, the lack of standardization of these applications across studies makes it difficult to comprehensively assess their effectiveness. Addressing these challenges, including improving respondent recall and ensuring data consistency and quality, especially in self-administered modes, remains critical to advancing life history data collection. This session will explore recent innovations and ongoing challenges in life history data collection, with a focus on self-administered survey modes.