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Survey Best Practice - Why Bigger Is Not Always Better

Surveys can be a simple do it yourself satisfaction survey, an in-depth longitudinal study that can go for years or a closely followed political poll.They can be implemented by telephone, face to face or the internet and only your imagination limits the topics that can be surveyed. They cannot be ignored and are an integral source of information for researchers. They can drive change from government policy to the label on a shampoo bottle. Although surveys may differ greatly in design and purpose, if they do not adhere to good practice in questionnaire design, sampling and weighting, the results can be very poor, even wrong. The trade-off between length of questionnaire, method of delivery, sampling size, complexity of analysis and cost needs a level of expertise. This month’s article examines some of the issues of survey design through the past turmoil’s of political polls as they endeavour to predict the outcomes of US presidential elections.

Australian Statistical Conference

Celebrating 50 years was the theme of this years' Australian Statistical Conference held in Adelaide. International and Australian delegates came together to develop and share their knowledge and expertise. Data Analysis Australia helped the society celebrate by sending over six staff who all presented on a wide range of topics. The team highlighted the diversity of projects carried out by Data Analysis Australia with talks on our applications of statistical techniques to mining, modelling port operation, and the electricity market. Other talks highlighted our extensive work in analysing behaviour change programs and the challenges and uniqueness of working in a large commercial statistical company. All our talks were well received and those of us who attended the conference had an enjoyable experience.

Data Analysis Australia is the leading strategic information consultancy in Australia. Our exceptional skills in mathematics, statistics and data management provide a strong background for work that is often used for strategic decision making purposes. Our reputation has been built on our ability to provide workable solutions to difficult problems across all industries.

Applied
Statistical Analysis

Survey Design
and Analysis

Forecasting
and Demography

Business and
Risk Analysis

Spatial Analysis
and Mapping

Information Management and Data Mining

Mathematical
Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation

The strength of Data Analysis Australia lies in our flexible approach to integrating the above areas of expertise to provide cost effective and applicable solutions for clients.

Company News

Congratulations

Professor Cheryl Praeger,a Director of Data Analysis Australia, has been awarded the 2013 Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal by the Australian Academy of Science. This award is given every second year for "outstanding achievement by a scientist in Australia for research in mathematics or physics". Cheryl will receive the Medal at the Academy meeting in May, becoming the first woman to receive it since it was established in 1935.

Cheryl was also selected as an inaugural Fellow of the American Mathematical Society in 2012. The Fellows of the American Mathematical Society program recognises members who have made outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilisation of mathematics.

Welcome

Data Analysis Australia would like to welcome our newest Graduate Consultant Statistician, Jennifer Bramwell. Jennifer joined us in November 2012, having recently completed her Masters in Statistics at the University of Auckland. She also has a background in Economics, Finance and Pure Mathematics, and specialises in queuing theory and probability theory.

Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad

Continuing our commitment to mathematics, Data Analysis Australia has again been proud to sponsor the 2012 Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad (WAJO). The Olympiad is a competition promoting enriched mathematics for High School students, with teams of four students in Years 7, 8 and 9 representing their schools. This year a record 412 students attended this one day competition, forming 104 teams. The prize ceremony was attended by the Hon. Peter Collier, Minister for Education, and saw a number of enthusiastic young people awarded for their efforts. The Data Analysis Australia Awards for Excellence were presented to Alan Cheng and Virinchi Rallabhandi, both from Perth Modern School, and Jayde Newman of Santa Maria College.

Fundraising

Data Analysis Australia staff dug deep to support Consultant Statisticians Emma Smith and Prudence Thompson in their participation in the Santa Fun Run, raising money for Variety, the Children’s Charity. Emma and Prudence were only two of about 1,600 “Santas” that completed the four kilometre course through central Fremantle in a full five‑piece suit, including beard! The picture to the left shows Emma and Prudence gearing up for the run.

Latest Newsletter

Our latest Newsletter was posted in December. If you are not already on our mailing list and would like a copy to be sent to you, please contact Angela at Data Analysis Australia.

Updated January 21, 2013