Social Science Survey Methodology Training: Understanding the Past and Assessing the Present to Shape Our Future

Abstract

Survey methodology is a rich interdisciplinary field. We summarize the current state of social science survey methodology training and envision its future. Our vision celebrates the diverse histories and scientific perspectives of social science, but also addresses core statistical and survey methods skills that social science survey methodologists should have. We identify training gaps and outline an ideal program of study. We reflect on how this fits into a vision of survey methodology as an interdisciplinary field that has both applied and academic arms, integrates social science and statistical science, and is sustainable as an interdisciplinary field of study.