Key activities

We:

• manage numerous research programs (including some major longitudinal studies)
• produce research reports
• hold conferences and events
• host webinars
• build the capacity of practitioners to create and use research data
• make submissions to government enquiries.

Quantitative research

AIFS projects with a significant reliance on data collection, representative sampling, and data and statistical analysis include:

• Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
• Building a New Life in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Migrants
• Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health.

Accessing our datasets

Access to the datasets of current AIFS projects requires either an individual or organisational licence. To apply, go to National Centre for Longitudinal Data Dataverse.

Datasets derived from past research undertaken by AIFS are available from the Australian Data Archive.

Data linkage

AIFS is an Accredited Integrating Authority. We can access a rich variety of administrative and other data sets to provide new information for research and policy making. See Data Linkage section, below.

Qualitative research

We use qualitative research methods to uncover trends in thoughts or opinions and gain a deeper understanding of how a person feels on a particular issue. Recent research projects with a significant qualitative research component include:

• Weighing up the odds: Young men, sports and gambling
• Children and Young People in Separated Families
• Child Care Flexibility Trials.

Survey data collection

AIFS runs numerous surveys, some of which collect information on very sensitive topics, including violence and safety, mental health, gambling and substance abuse. Recent AIFS projects with a substantive survey component include:

• Families in Australia Survey
• Gambling Trends Study
• National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study
• Compliance with and Enforcement of Family Law Parenting Orders.

Program evaluation

Program evaluation is the systematic process of investigating if a program or service achieves its aims. AIFS has conducted innumerable program evaluations in the child and family sector. AIFS staff also work with sector professionals to build their capability to conduct their own program evaluations. Some of the many evaluations AIFS has conducted include:

• Families and Children Expert Panel Project
• Cradle to Kinder program evaluation
• Child Care Flexibility Trials.