More bad news for the buggy-whip manufacturers

In a news article regarding difficulties in using panel surveys to measure the unemployment rate, David Leonhardt writes:

The main factor is technology. It’s a major cause of today’s response-rate problems – but it’s also the solution.

For decades, survey research has revolved around the telephone, and it’s worked very well. But Americans’ relationship with their phones has radically changed. It’s no surprise that survey research will have to as well. . . .

In the future, we are unlikely to live in a country in which information is scant. We are certain to live in one in which information is collected in different ways. The transition is under way, and the federal government is among those institutions that will need to adapt.

Let’s hope that the American Association for Public Opinion Research can adapt too.

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