ABSTRACT
Throughout the twentieth century surveys became the preferred universal method for the collection of data on individuals and households. The popularity of surveys hinges on two scientific strengths: statistical representativeness-based on proper sampling-and standardization-the principle of using exactly the same tools to collect comparable data from different subjects. The most desirable properties of survey data, such as maximum validity and reliability and minimum or no bias, are thought to be achieved when representativeness and standardization are secured. All of these are thoroughly addressed themes in survey methodology textbooks. A third advantage of collecting data from a sample of the population is of a practical nature. Surveys cost only a fraction of what their alternative, a population census, costs. The present chapter addresses some specific survey developments as they pertain to the study
of international migration-internal migration will not be considered. Our coverage is necessarily modest given space constraints. First, we review a specific type of migration survey, the ethnosurvey, outlining the principles on which it is based. Migration surveys have always been besieged by complex problems related to locality (migrants are by definition mobile and thus difficult to sample) and validity (migration surveys usually cover sensitive topics). In addressing these challenges, the ethnosurvey reconsiders the two fundamental strengths of social surveys outlined above: representativeness and standardization. After reviewing the ethnosurvey, we address other migration surveys that seek to address the same challenges. Afterward, we briefly refer to probabilistic surveys of US migrants in the United States. We close by considering two recent developments in social survey research that are of central interest to migration survey practitioners and might change, or are already changing, some crucial aspects of survey data collection. Let us list as well what we will not do. As the focus of this chapter is surveys, we do not
consider other sources of immigration statistics, including censuses and government administrative records. While we will refer to specific survey migration research projects, we will not attempt to offer a catalog of all of them. Omissions will be inevitable. We will not discuss the advantages and disadvantages of surveys for the study of international migration, the many substantial challenges faced by migration surveys, and issues of questionnaire design. As a
comprehensive treatment of these issues, the volume by Bilsborrow and colleagues (1984) remains a primary reference text for migration survey practitioners. The reader interested in a comprehensive coverage of international migration surveys may also consult Fawcett and Arnold (1987), an insightful piece in need of an update. Finally, while we briefly refer to studies conducted elsewhere, the emphasis is on surveys addressing migration to, or immigrants in, the United States.
