Abstract:

This paper illustrates some of the ways in which sample survey data can be used to make predictions about aspects of society. It examines the use of data from continuous surveys to make short term predictions based on time series and the use of surveys to assess the effect of changes in Government policy. The paper then examines some examples of surveys that have collected data about peoples intentions. It concludes that such information has only limited use for short term prediction but may have greater potential for looking further ahead.