Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences

COMPASS uses quantitative methodologies to answer policy-relevant questions, to improve health, wellbeing, and equity in Aotearoa

Our team of researchers have experience and expertise in a range of disciplines and social science research methodologies. COMPASS has a broad health and wellbeing focus, uniquely positioning it to address research questions related to the impacts of key societal changes.

COMPASS uses three main methodological approaches in its research.  First, COMPASS analyses whole population administrative data to understand equity and wellbeing, particularly using data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).  Second, COMPASS analyses survey data to understand New Zealanders’ attitudes, views, and wellbeing status. COMPASS runs annual social attitudes surveys as one of ~50 countries involved in the International Social Survey Programme (www.issp.org), thus enabling the views of New Zealanders to be compared to other countries.  Third, COMPASS assesses the impact of policies using ‘micro-simulation’ – i.e., by simulating the life-course development of individuals over time.

Our People

Meet our team of researchers, and our collaborators.

Projects

Read about all of the projects that the COMPASS team has undertaken over the last 20 years.

Publications

We publish journal articles, technical reports, and other outputs from our research.

Short Courses

We run courses in social research methods through the New Zealand Social Statistics Network (NZSSN).

Surveys

We administer surveys for New Zealand’s input to the ISSP, and have conducted a number of other surveys with collaborators.

Whole Population Data Analysis

We analyse data from the entire New Zealand population to understand health and social functioning.

Events

We run regular seminars, colloguia, and workshops.

News

See the latest news about our work.

Useful Links

Find links to other centres, organisations, and resources within our research community.