Cross-national survey projects
Running large-scale survey research across multiple countries simultaneously is a complex undertaking. Questionnaires must be translated into dozens of languages and while fieldwork agencies in different countries administer the surveys, the comparability and quality of the data must be maintained. Centerdata takes that complexity off your hands.
Our team manages cross-national survey projects from start to finish: from questionnaire programming and translation management to fieldwork support and data delivery. To do this, we deploy our own DataCTRL survey tool suite: an integrated set of software tools developed by Centerdata, specifically for large-scale, cross-national survey research.
From questionnaire to data delivery: our approach
A cross-national survey project begins with programming a master questionnaire in QuestionnaireCTRL. Once approved, the translation process starts via TranslationCTRL, our dedicated translation management system. Countries and teams are given access to their own translation environment, where translations are created, reviewed, and exported.
Once all translations have been approved, fieldwork preparations can begin. Depending on the data collection mode – face-to-face, self-completion using web and/or paper-based questionnaires, or a mixed-mode approach – we deploy the appropriate tools. With SampleCTRL, fieldwork agencies manage their sample for face-to-face surveys and assign cases to interviewers, who use CaseCTRL to track their contact attempts and contact list. FieldworkCTRL provides progress monitoring across countries. SurveyCTRL is set up for self-completion surveys. Centerdata supports national fieldwork agencies with any technical issues that arise. The process concludes with data delivery: from raw data to fully labeled, analysis-ready datasets.
Cross-national survey projects in practice
Centerdata has extensive experience with large-scale cross-national survey projects in the areas of health, attitudes and values, and social changes. These are often longitudinal studies. Projects we are involved in include:
