Improving Knowledge Production in Comparative Survey Research: Cross-Using Data from Four International Survey Programmes

In the context of flourishing cross-national and multi-level research, variety macro micro data sources available to researchers have evolved into an interdependent ecosystem social indicators. Focusing on four comparative surveys, this paper examines extent which secondary users take advantage a range complementary broaden breadth or strengthen robustness their research. Using two Google Scholar-based datasets 2789 796 publications, we find that, despite complex equivalence issues in survey combine considerable extent, aiming increase conceptual, geographic, temporal coverage cross-validate findings. Selecting example European Social Survey, 183 journal articles are qualitatively examined identify specific epistemic gains attained by analysts when combining ESS with from other programmes. The strategy involves risks, emanating either analysts' own misjudgements arising wider comparability transparency However, number harmonisation platforms recently emerged that may facilitate standardisation measures across augmenting possibilities for future theory development