ARK: Understanding Society

A new survey - Understanding Society (US) - began in 2009, and replaces the Northern Ireland Household Panel Survey (NIHPS).

The survey was designed to eventually incorporate the NIHPS panel of respondents, and by Wave 2, the NIHPS and US samples were be fully integrated together. US will provide valuable new evidence about the people of the UK, their lives, experiences, behaviours and beliefs. The topics covered by the survey include: standard of living measures, family relationships, environmental issues, health and wellbeing and psychological attributes.

A joint ARK/NISRA seminar held in McAuley House on 21st January 2011 introduced the new Understanding Society study and highlighted its usefulness to academics, policy makers and those with an interest in the lives of the people of Northern Ireland. The seminar was presented by Jon Burton from ISER, who is the Survey Manager for Understanding Society. To see the powerpoint presentation click here.