mikroandmed

Mikroandmed are data at the level of individual units, such as persons, households, or firms, collected in surveys, censuses, or administrative registers. They contrast with macrodata, which consist of aggregates like totals and averages. Mikroandmed enable analysis of distributions, relationships, and dynamics and are used for research, policy assessment, and economic or social modeling.

Typically mikroandmed include variables describing characteristics (for example age, education, income, or employment), along with design information and sampling weights. They are often de-identified or anonymized to protect privacy, and researchers may encounter restrictions on re-identification. Access is usually controlled and provided under data-use agreements, often through secure data facilities or remote access, sometimes requiring approved research projects and ethical review. The handling of mikroandmed is governed by data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and national provisions, as well as by the policies of the data-issuing agency.

Governance aspects include data stewardship, licensing, documentation (metadata), and quality assurances. Data quality considerations cover sampling error, nonresponse, measurement error, and potential bias, all of which researchers must account for in analysis. Ethical considerations focus on privacy, consent where applicable, and responsible use of sensitive information.

Applications of mikroandmed span economics, health, education, demography, and social sciences, enabling studies of inequality, labor market dynamics, health outcomes, or the impact of policy changes. In many countries, mikroandmed are held by national statistical offices or research data centers, with access governed by strict confidentiality and usage rules.