Module I1 Session 1

Practical: Issues concerning data collection

This work is to be done in groups. There are 3 related tasks. The
first two look at the local level and starts from the presentation using
the climatic data.
The third uses information from the survey on the implementation of
the fundamental principles of official statistics.
Spend about 20 minutes on each topic, so that there is an hour for
the discussion. If you feel that you do not have much to say on one of
the topics alter the timing so that you spend time on those topics
where you have ideas to contribute.

Activity 3
1. Information available locally

Is the slogan Local data for local use of value?

Would the value of national surveys be more widely accepted, if they
were partnered with efforts to disseminate more information and
results locally?
______________________________________________________________________
Youve seen in the Peter Cooper video that climatic data can be used
by farmers to improve their farming practices and consequently their
yields. Which other areas might this apply to? What information do
you think would be useful locally? How might it be circulated and
made accessible?
Make at least 2 points for the general discussion:

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2. Local data collection

Data collection is dependent on the calibre and dedication of the

enumerators. They are the public face of statistics, they influence the
quality of data that is collected as well as the way that respondents
see statistics. This topic is concerned with possible improvements
that could be made to get the highest quality of data while avoiding
respondents feeling as though they are giving their time needlessly.
For example: Effective general training of enumerators in official
statistics could enable them to discuss with respondents the
purposes and outcomes of statistical results for the development of
the district. This could show respondents the importance of the task
they are about to undertake and thus enhance the quality of data
collected and justify the time they are being asked to spend on it.
Your proposed improvements could relate to a need for more
training, they could build on the availability of computers and better
communications locally, or any other area which you feel is
important.
As above, make at least two points for the general discussion. If
there are more than 2 points, give an order of importance.

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3. Topics from an international survey

Principle 5 in the UN survey report on the statistical principles is as

follows:
Principle 5: Sources of official statistics
Data for statistical purposes may be drawn from all types of sources, be theystatistical
surveys or administrative records. Statistical agencies are to choose the source with
regard to quality, timeliness, costs and the burden on respondents.
Here we are particularly concerned with the burden on respondents.
A follow-up question in this survey asked:
Does the national statistical office systematically work on reducing the
reporting burden on respondents?
The replies were reported as follows:
Eighty-six per cent of the countries reported that they worked systematically on
reducing the reporting burden on respondents.
One country mentioned that the Statistics Act stated that: The data shall be collected in
a manner that is economical and causes the respondents a minimum of inconvenience
and costs.
Specific examples of policies and practices are:
Simplification of questionnaires, including shorter, less detailed questionnaires;
Integrated surveys;
Rotating sampling for annual surveys;
Use of administrative data.
Successful examples are given as follows:
A range of initiatives, including use of administrative data, has resulted in a 40 per cent
reduction in costs imposed on small business over the last seven years;
The use of tax data is expected to reduce the number of businesses surveyed for the
monthly business frame update survey by approximately 2,000 per month; a 40 per cent
reduction.
A second issue is that of confidentiality. The principle is as follows:
Principle 6: Confidentiality
Individual data collected by statistical agencies for statistical compilation, whether
they refer to natural or legal persons, are to be strictly confidential and used exclusively
for statistical purposes.

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The follow-up text was stated as follows:

Reliable official statistics depend on public cooperation and goodwill to provide
accurate and timely information requested in surveys. Such cooperation and goodwill is
maintained by protecting the confidentiality of information provided by respondents.
Key aspects of confidentiality protection are maintaining information securely, avoiding
disclosure of identifiable information and providing access to
anonymized microdata for non-statistical purposes, such as statistical research.
A question with the analysis was:
How well developed are practices to prevent disclosure of individual data?
According to this survey, confidentiality protection is part of the culture in statistical
agencies in almost all countries and as such is seen not only as a legal obligation, but as
a valuable means to maintain high-quality statistical data.
Hence, many countries continuously seek to improve the protection of privacy and
confidentiality through improving laws, working procedures and by making use of
technological developments.
77 per cent of the countries responded that practices to prevent disclosure of individual
data were highly developed (no individual data is ever disclosed), and 21 per cent
responded that practices were developed (usually individual data is not disclosed, but
there have been exceptions).
Two per cent of the respondents assessed such practices as being undeveloped in their
countries.
In your view what do you think is being done in your country on
these two issues of reducing the burden on respondents, and
ensuring confidentiality? Do you have suggestions for improvements
As above make 2 or more points on each issue to bring to the general
discussion.

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