Ocean literacy survey: headline findings

Annex 1: Note on Methodology

The research used an online panel method. Invitations were sent to members of online panels using BMG's 'panel blend' approach which uses simultaneous survey invitations across multiple panels to spread fieldwork. The method is designed to improve the quality of outputs by hedging against the risk of selecting a single panel provider. Quotas were set on age based on the latest Office for National Statistics mid-year estimates as well as whether the area was classified as coastal or non-coastal (based on participant settlement) to ensure the interviews completed were representative of the population on this basis. These were monitored closely and any groups that were under-represented were sent further invitations and reminders in order that we achieved as close as possible to the original quotas set. In addition to this all respondents had to have been a permanent resident in Scotland for at least the last 5 years. Additional variables were also monitored during fieldwork to ensure a spread of responses were received:

• Region
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• SIMD quintiles
• ONS Coastal Communities sub-groups
• Urban/rural

Further details on the methodology are available in the Technical Report.

How to access background or source data

The data collected for this social research publication may be made available on request, subject to consideration of legal and ethical factors. Please contact Marine Analytical Unit for more information MarineAnalyticalUnit@gov.scot