Introduction to probability-based online panels
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in probability-based online panels as a means to gather accurate and reliable data for research purposes. These panels are designed to provide researchers with access to a diverse and representative sample of the population, ensuring that the findings are both valid and generalizable. In Europe, several such panels have been established, offering valuable insights into various aspects of society. This article aims to provide an overview of some of the most prominent probability-based online panels in Europe.
In contrast to the US where several country-wide panels have exists for over a decade, Europe has other challenges. The fact that address-based sampling is not available for all markets plus different demands for various markets makes it challenging to run a Europe-wide panel.
Using telephone sampling (dual-frame RDD) for probability-based panels
It is possible to join the panel only once a panelist has been invited based on a generated telephone number. While the recruitment survey does not require any internet access for the respondent, later survey participation however requires internet access if the survey is to be conducted online. As an alternative tablets or an actual call can be placed such that the probability-based internet panel also covers the offline population. It is then called a mixed-mode panel in social research.
Telephone surveys make use of a landline and mobile RDD sample and usually cover the population aged 16 / aged 18 years and older. One of the challenges with surveys conducted using an RDD sample is the nonresponse error due to a low response rate compared to face-to-face surveys. When the same research methods are applied for recruitment in survey panels it can still lead to a representative survey as long as the non-response is random.
Using Address-Based Sampling for a recruitment survey questionnaire for probability surveys
Another way to create a quality panel is using address-based sampling. In public opinion research, respondents are invited to join the panel via a letter that has an online link or QR code. Respondents can then complete the online questionnaire using web surveys to become a member of the probability panel.
1. The European Social Survey (ESS)
The European Social Survey is a biennial cross-national survey that measures public attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour patterns across Europe. Launched in 2001, the ESS uses rigorous probability sampling methods to ensure that its data is representative of the population. The survey covers a wide range of topics, including political engagement, social trust, well-being, and immigration attitudes. With data from over 30 countries, the ESS is one of the most comprehensive and reliable sources of information on social trends in Europe.
2. Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study
Understanding Society is a large-scale longitudinal panel study that collects data from around 40,000 households in the United Kingdom. The study uses a probability-based sample design to ensure that its findings are representative of the UK population as a whole. By following the same individuals over time, Understanding Society provides valuable insights into how people’s lives change and evolve, covering areas such as health, employment, education, and family dynamics.
3. The German Internet Panel (GIP) for online panel surveys
The German Internet Panel is a probability-based online panel that has been collecting data on political, economic, and social attitudes in Germany since 2012. The GIP uses a two-stage sampling procedure to ensure representativeness and includes around 5,000 participants. By conducting regular surveys on a broad range of topics, the GIP provides valuable insights into public opinion and societal trends in Germany.
4. The Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (LISS) Panel
Based in the Netherlands, the LISS Panel is a probability-based online panel that has been active since 2007. With a sample of around 7,500 households, the LISS Panel covers a wide range of topics, including labor market dynamics, political attitudes, health, and social participation. The panel’s longitudinal design allows researchers to study changes in individual behavior and societal trends over time.
5. The French ELIPSS probability-based online Panel
The French ELIPSS Panel (Étude Longitudinale par Internet Pour les Sciences Sociales) is a probability-based online panel that has been collecting data on various aspects of French society since 2012. With a sample of around 3,000 individuals, the ELIPSS Panel focuses on topics such as political attitudes, social trust, well-being, and media consumption. By providing representative and reliable data on French society, the ELIPSS Panel offers valuable insights into the country’s social dynamics.
6. The Swedish NOVUS Panel for probability online research
Novus Sverigepanel (Novus) is a Swedish research company that specializes in public opinion polling. Founded in 1991, Novus has become one of the most trusted and respected polling firms in Sweden.
The company conducts a wide range of surveys on various topics, including politics, social issues, and consumer behaviour. Novus uses a combination of telephone and online surveys to gather data from a representative sample of the Swedish population.
One of the things that sets Novus apart from other polling firms is its commitment to transparency. The company publishes all of its survey results on its website, along with detailed information about its methodology and sampling techniques. This level of transparency helps to build trust with both clients and the general public.
Novus reports a total of 45.000 panel members and on top of that provides the option to sub-sample specific parts of the population.
7. PUBLIC Voice probability-based panel
Kantar Public is a leading research and consulting firm that specializes in providing insights into public opinion, behavior, and attitudes. One of the tools that they use to gather this information is the Public Voice Probability-Based Panel.
The Kantar PUBLIC Voice probability-based panel covers several countries in Europe and is expanding rapidly. For the recruitment, a mix of telephone (RDD based) and Address-based sampling is used.
As the world becomes more connected, the number of offline individuals is decreasing. Despite this trend, it’s important to note that the characteristics and behaviors of those who remain offline are unique. To ensure that these individuals are not left out of important research studies, PUBLIC Voice employs a blended, mixed-mode data collection approach. This approach allows the panel to reach not only offline populations but also other groups that are traditionally difficult to access. By using this method, Kantar PUBLIC can gather a more comprehensive understanding of the population and ensure that our findings are representative of everyone, not just those who are easily reachable.
8. The Ipsos Knowledge Panel in Europe
Ipsos has launched and will launch several probability-based panels in Europe after having operated the Knowledge Panel in the US for several decades.
Similar to the Kantar PUBLIC panel, Ipsos makes use of address-based sampling and CATI recruitment using RDD to recruit the panel
Other Probability-based panels by research centers in Europe
Several other research centers exist in Europe which are working on building probability-based panels. This article will constantly be updated.
Conclusion
Probability-based online panels play a crucial role in providing researchers with accurate and reliable data on various aspects of European society. By ensuring that their samples are representative of the population as a whole, these panels allow for valid and generalizable findings that can inform policy decisions and contribute to our understanding of social trends. As technology continues to advance and more people gain access to the internet, it is likely that we will see an increasing number of probability-based online panels emerge across Europe, offering new opportunities for research and discovery.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in probability-based online panels as a means to gather accurate and reliable data for research purposes. These panels are designed to provide researchers with access to a diverse and representative sample of the population, ensuring that the findings are both valid and generalizable. In Europe, several such panels have been established, offering valuable insights into various aspects of society. This article aims to provide an overview of some of the most prominent probability-based online panels in Europe.
In contrast to the US where several country-wide panels have exists for over a decade, Europe has other challenges. The fact that address-based sampling is not available for all markets plus different demands for various markets makes it challenging to run a Europe-wide panel.
