The General Social Survey is recruiting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in a brief interview study to improve the accessibility of the GSS website and the GSS Data Explorer. If you, or someone you know, is a STEM researcher who uses online survey data and/or who uses GSS data, please email GSSaccessibility@norc.org to determine your eligibility.

The General Social Survey Video Series

The General Social Survey Video Series

The GSS is a valuable resource for educators and students working and learning in STEM fields. To encourage students and instructors to leverage the GSS in their academic careers and beyond, we have developed a series of short introductory and tutorial style videos about the GSS.

You can explore these videos at your own pace and in any order that interests you, but we recommend starting with an introduction to the GSS to learn about its history and what makes this survey one of the best resources for understanding changing trends of American culture for over 50 years. Then, you can check out an overview of methods used to develop and improve the GSS each year, learn about wording experiments and total survey error, and watch how easily you can access the GSS Data Explorer. Finally, you can explore how GSS data can be applied to STEM research and get ideas on how to incorporate the GSS into your course curriculum!

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Introduction to the GSS

 

Learn more about the background and history of the GSS, what makes it unique and its role in the field of social science.

GSS Project Process & Lifecycle

 

Learn all about the rigorous process that brings the GSS to life! This video covers several steps of the GSS lifecycle, including:

  • Content decisions
  • Cognitive, usability and timing testing
  • Questionnaire design
  • And more!

 

The GSS Structure & Basics

 

Learn the basics of how information is gathered for the GSS and various adjustments that are made to avoid biased results.

You'll learn:

  • What are ballots and forms in the GSS?
  • Why and how does GSS data get adjusted for its sampling design?
  • What is weighting?

 

Sampling in the GSS

 

Wondering how the GSS samples its respondents? Learn about the sampling strategies leveraged by the GSS. This video focuses on:

You'll learn:

  • Sample size
  • Limitations on sample drawn
  • Sampling techniques
  • How sampling can be used to make inferences

 

GSS Wording Experiments

 

Wondering how the GSS samples its respondents? Learn about the sampling strategies leveraged by the GSS. This video focuses on:️

Total Survey Error in the GSS

 

Learn about four types of survey error and how the GSS handles each type to ensure the highest quality of research. These include:

  • Coverage error
  • Sampling error
  • Nonresponse error
  • Measurement error

GSS for Educators

 

Learn what makes the GSS a valuable tool for educators. From subject-based topical studies to understanding survey methodology, this video explains the value of leveraging the GSS for use in the classroom.

The GSS Data Explorer

 

Take a deeper dive on the GSS Data Explorer, a tool to download and analyze GSS survey data. Learn:

  • What is the Data Explorer?
  • How can you use it?
  • What are some innovative tools and features available for analysis?

GSS for STEM Research

 

Learn about the GSS and its role as an extensive, multidisciplinary dataset that can be used for STEM research! See how the GSS is useful for STEM research at all levels.