The Effects of Data Harmonization on the Survey Research Process

Abstract

The chapter provides a general introduction to the role of data harmonization in all aspects of the survey research process. We describe the effects of data harmonization through its evolution from a tool to standardize measures over time to a comprehensive conceptual framework that now affects all aspects of the survey research process. In the first of three parts, we cover the origins and early development of harmonization practice, especially in the context of comparative research projects. In the second part, we take a closer look at the current state of harmonization practice. We distinguish different groups of stakeholders and discuss their roles in harmonization efforts and survey research. We explore their interrelations, the implicit and explicit forms of division of harmonization labor, and the consequences for harmonization quality and efficiency. In the third part, we look toward the future, where the rise of new data types and data sources leads to new opportunities and challenges for harmonization and survey research practitioners. The focus lies on "organic" data, in the sense that data accumulate as a natural by-product of engaging with the current digital ecosystem. Examples are social media posts, web-browsing data, or paradata collected during online surveys.