The main objectives of the ESS are: To map stability and change in social structure, conditions, and attitudes across Europe and interpret how the social, political, and moral fabric of Europe is changing; To achieve and disseminate high standards of rigor in transnational social science research, including, for example, preparation and pre-testing of questionnaires, sampling, data collection, bias reduction, and the reliability of questions; To introduce solid national progress indicators based on citizens' perceptions and judgments about key aspects of their societies; To conduct and facilitate training for European social researchers in measurement and quantitative analysis; To improve the visibility and reach of data on social change among academics, policymakers, and a broader public.