Before the early 1980s, much attention had been given in the social survey literature to the analysis and interpretation of data, but much less to the problems of constructing the individual datum. Yet without good work at datum level a good data set cannot be produced, and without good data no useful analyses and interpretations may be made. What do we mean by ‘survey data’? What are ‘good’ data, and how do we recognise them?

Originally published in 1984, Nicholas Bateson tackles these questions and, in doing so, offers a redefinition of the validity of survey data and suggests a new approach – or a more assertive formulation of an old approach – to the testing of data for validity. He specifies conditions that must be satisfied if survey data are to be called valid, and brings out the implications of his ideas for the management of survey error.

This book, then, provides a basis for thinking about, discussing and evaluating survey data. It will be of value to survey researchers, to users of survey data, and to students of social science who encounter reports of surveys and need to understand the problems intrinsic to survey data.