An Introduction to the Understanding America Study Internet Panel.
General Information
Title
An Introduction to the Understanding America Study Internet Panel.
Author
Laith Alattar, Matt Messel, and David Rogofsky
Publication Type
Journal paper
Outlet
Social Security Bulletin
Year
2018
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative Internet panel of approximately 6,000 adult respondents that is administered by the University of Southern California. The UAS, which began in 2014, represents one of the richest sources of panel data available in the United States. It includes over 50 survey modules on topics such as retirement planning, economic well-being, and psychological constructs. This article reviews the UAS methodology; describes how external researchers may commission UAS surveys and incorporate their own survey questions and randomized controlled trials; highlights selected publicly available data from UAS surveys on cognition, personality, financial literacy and behaviors, political views, and other topics; and discusses opportunities for external parties to work with UAS administrators in developing new surveys and future lines of research.