Citation

Meyburg AH, Brög W. Transp. Res. Rec. 1981; 807: 46-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Validity problems of empirical data have been neglected to a large extent in the transportation planning field. This paper illustrates the impact that choice of survey method has on the validity of the data. It shows that the recorded data depend directly on the method selected for obtaining them. An uncritical application of survey methods is not justifiable and, in fact, can lead to incorrect survey results. Basic research in the area of empirical survey methods is long overdue. An international exchange of experiences in this regard is considered most beneficial, as illustrated by this paper. The exchange of information and insights is often hampered because the survey methods used for specific investigations tend to be inadequately documented. This deficiency makes subsequent assessment of data validity very difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, the use of such data without consideration of the underlying survey method is dangerous. The paper cites examples where the results of analyses can be manipulated by means of different survey methods. Greater efforts should be made to integrate data collection with the research effort performed on the basis of these data.