Britt Wallgren - Register-based Statistics: Registers and the National Statistical System

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Third Edition

Anders Wallgren and Britt Wallgren

Formerly at the Department of Research and Development at Statistics Sweden

This third edition first published 2022

2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Edition History

John Wiley & Sons Ltd (2e, 2014)

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Hardback ISBN: 9781119632375; ePub ISBN: 9781119632689; ePDF ISBN: 9781119632641;Obook ISBN: 9781119632672.

Cover images: Courtesy of Anders Wallgren and Britt Wallgren

Cover design by Wiley

Set in 11/12.5pt TimesNewRomanMTStd by Integra Software Services Pvt. Ltd, Pondicherry, India

1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12

1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12

What is the main difference between a book on survey sampling and a book on register-based statistics? Both are books on survey methodology, but there is one important difference that should be understood from the outset:

• Books on survey sampling discuss one sample survey. We have one population and collect data for one survey. The sampling books then discuss how this sample survey can be designed in different ways.
• Instead, books on register surveys must have a systems approach. When discussing one register survey, we must also understand the role other registers play in the system of registers used when the statistical register in question is created and evaluated.

During the 1960s, Svein Nordbotten (1967) at Statistics Norway developed ideas on statistical information systems and explained that administrative sources should be used for statistical purposes. The statistical information system concept is quite different from the statistical survey concept, and the former is suitable for organisations that regularly collect data and produce statistics. He subsequently introduced what he called statistical file systems, or what we now call register systems used for the production of official statistics.

The register system is not just a set of registers. The system also has methodological implications regarding how it should be designed, coordinated and used. This was made clear in Statistics Denmarks book (Danish version 1994, English translation 1995). It explains how a system of statistical registers should be designed to produce a register-based population and housing census. The Danish book was the starting point for our work with registers at Statistics Sweden. The book is discussed in Sections 1.5.2 and 12.1.