OT Seminar in DC on Statistics Without Borders Post-Earthquake Efforts in Haiti

[Art Kendall]

Please forward/circulate
If you live/work near DC, MD, VA, DE, WV  this seminar may be of interest.  You'll hear about the use of cellphone survey methods in a post-disaster situation.

Summary
CASPA is co-sponsoring with WSS Human Rights, and DC-AAPOR the seminar Statistics Without Borders Post-Earthquake Efforts in Haiti
Tuesday, September 14, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
If you are planning on attending this seminar, please email Michael P. Cohen at [hidden email] by Tuesday, September 7 (or as soon as possible). 
One could even attend without RSVPing but might have some trouble getting in to the building.


WSS Washington Statistical Society
DC-AAPOR DC American Association for Public Opinion Research
CASPA Capital Areal Social Psychological Association

Art Kendall

Details

Title: Statistics Without Borders Post-Earthquake Efforts in Haiti

Speakers: James D. Ashley and Justin S. Fisher, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Discussant:  Fritz Scheuren, NORC

Chair: Scott Clement, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 14, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Location:
Tuesday, September 14, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

RSVP Instructions:  If you are planning on attending this seminar, please email Michael P. Cohen at [hidden email] by Tuesday, September 7 (or as soon as possible) .

Sponsors:  WSS Human Rights, DC-AAPOR, and Capital Area Social Psychological
 Association (CASPA)

Abstract:
Considerations in the Study Design of a Mobile Phone Survey of the Haitian Population,  Presented by James D. Ashley, U.S. Government Accountability Office
We outline the feasibility and benefits of conducting telephone interviews to measure the economic impact of the January 2010 Haitian earthquake using a random digit dial (RDD) sample of mobile phone numbers. Traditional methods of sampling and data collection after the earthquake would have been difficult, time consuming, and costly. The logistical challenges caused by the destruction of buildings and roads, the large amount of internal displacement, migration away from the Port-au-Prince population center, and the increasing use of mobile phones in Haiti made this kind of survey an attractive option. Moreover, mobile technology in Haiti allowed us to deliver instant incentives by adding pre-paid minutes to the respondents' cell phones. Our presentation will focus on coverage issues, contact and response rates, defining households, and the construction of appropriate household weights. This survey has provided invaluable information about the potential of conducting mobile phone interviews after a natural disaster and may help shape methodological directions for collecting data in developing countries around the world.
Survey Administration in the Wake of a Natural Disaster,                                                    Presented by Justin S. Fisher, U. S. Government Accountability Office
Only two months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, our goal was to collect quality data to inform aid decisions by measuring the earthquake's economic impact and any changes in household composition. Because of the extent of the damage, and the slow nature of recovery work, the physical infrastructure and living conditions of many Haitians presented special challenges for our data collection efforts. Our initial objective of conducting an area sample proved unrealistic, given the situation on the ground. Consequently, we decided to conduct a survey entirely by mobile phone, which required special consideration be given to minimizing non-sampling errors. We will focus on questionnaire development, cooperation incentives, and supervisor and interviewer training (as well as logistical considerations) in light of the challenges that this collection mode poses for measurement, non-response, coverage, and processing errors.



For further information contact Michael P. Cohen, [hidden email]  or [phone]..
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