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Cross-national surveys such as the WVS, the ISSP or the ESS include respondents from multiple countries. However, representative national surveys include a significant share of people from different countries as well, particularly immigrants and their descendants. The comparability of data collected in different cultures and countries is critical in cross-cultural research. The theoretical constructs under research must have the same meaning and significance in different contexts to the highest degree possible. Furthermore, the data should have the same level of accuracy, precision of measurement, validity, and reliability in all countries and cultures. Lastly, peoples’ responses to the questionnaire must be equivalent. However, recent research indicates that many cross-cultural studies still have major drawbacks due to the lack of methodological rigor. As a result concepts are misunderstood, cannot be compared and/or estimates are biased.
Contributions to this session will address either these methodological challenges for cross-cultural survey data, the consequences such challenges have for empirical research, or innovative strategies for overcoming these problems. Of course, papers may also address combinations of these points.
We particularly welcome contributions that address the following topics:
- Specification error (e.g. theoretical and measured concepts only match for specific countries or immigrant groups)
- Measurement error (e.g. cross-cultural variations in satisficing, acquiescence, extremity tendencies and their consequences)
- Nonresponse error (e.g. respondents do not complete a questionnaire, item battery, specific items)
- Questionnaire design, construction, and translation