OeNB Financial Literacy Evaluation Series: Conducting representative surveys and impact assessments: an overview of survey methodology

Authors: Maximilian Zieser, Theresa Lorenz, Valentin Voith
Year: 2025

Yielding findings from samples that are applicable to broader populations is a fundamental goal in financial literacy research. Generating valid and representative findings is methodologically challenging, however. It requires the careful consideration of sampling strategies, survey modes, participant recruitment and weighting procedures – methods that are often summarized under the umbrella term of survey methodology. This paper offers an accessible introduction to the core principles of survey methodology, with a particular focus on how these principles can support robust, representative insights gained from financial literacy research. It aims to introduce financial literacy program designers to these fundamental methodological considerations and encourage researchers to conduct more robust and methodologically transparent studies and evaluations.

The full report is available as PDF.