ESS2

The European Social Survey (ESS) is an academically-driven multi-country survey covering over 20 nations. Its three aims are, firstly - to monitor and interpret changing public attitudes and values within Europe and to investigate how they interact with Europe's changing institutions, secondly - to advance and consolidate improved methods of cross-national survey measurement in Europe and beyond, and thirdly - to develop a series of European social indicators, including attitudinal indicators.

In the second round, the survey covers over 20 nations and employs the most rigorous methodologies. It is funded via the European Commission's 5th Framework Programme, the European Science Foundation, and national funding bodies in each country. It involves strict random probability sampling, a minimum target response rate of 70% and rigorous translation protocols. The hour-long face-to-face interview includes (amongst others) questions on family, work and well-being, health and economic morality.