Strategies for Increasing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Representation in Survey Research

Abstract

The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population in the United States is growing rapidly and is geographically dispersed and culturally diverse. Yet, national estimates produced for this population are often limited to a subset, typically those who are English proficient. Meaningful representation of AANHPI communities in survey research requires strategies that account for their diverse linguistic and cultural characteristics. However, translation alone will not suffice to increase representation. More culturally responsive approaches are needed as well. In a joint project, AARP and NORC at the University of Chicago reviewed the literature and conducted semistructured interviews with experts in AANHPI representation in research to examine barriers to AANHPI survey participation and strategies for overcoming these barriers. This article presents findings and recommendations from this research. We discuss three key challenges to AANHPI representation in surveys: Lack of familiarity with surveys and their importance, lack of trust in those conducting surveys, and issues of language and translation. We then present strategies for increasing AANHPI survey participation: Involving trusted leaders of the AANHPI community, at the local or national level as appropriate for the study; focusing on messaging about the survey that is culturally appropriate and tailored to the population; and providing culturally appropriate translations.