Essentials of Survey Research Design

Surveys are a key component of quantitative research whether this is for government, academia, research institutes, or other organisations. The recent explosion of easy-to-use web survey packages means that everyone thinks they can do a survey. However, generating statistically unbiased and reliable data is more complex than writing a few questions.

This course will be held on 2 to 4 July 2024

Surveys are a key component of quantitative research whether this is for government, academia, research institutes, or other organisations. The recent explosion of easy-to-use web survey packages means that everyone thinks they can do a survey. However, generating statistically unbiased and reliable data is more complex than writing a few questions. Without proper instruction, the conclusions drawn from a survey can be flawed and misleading. This course looks at each of the quality areas for producing a successful and efficient quantitative survey. It covers all the major methods of data collection (quantitative interviewing, web and paper self-completion) as well as all the key aspects of the survey process from initial design through implementation through post-field processing. It focuses on the practical details of conducting a survey as well as including crucial tips from what is known in the survey methodology and statistical literature.

Course Outline

• An overview of survey design (including types of survey designs, project management, time-tabling and budgeting) (with DISCUSSION)
• Choosing a method of data collection (face-to-face, telephone, paper self-completion, web surveys) (with WORKSHOP)
• What to look for in a good sample design (types of probability and non-probability samples and general population internet panels; 7 considerations for sample size)
• Key principles of questionnaire design (for individual questions and the questionnaire as a whole) (with WORKSHOP)
• How to test your questionnaire in an effective manner.
• A thorough look at ways to minimising nonresponse/nonresponse bias during field work for
  all methods of data collection (with WORKSHOP)
• An overview of coding and data processing, but including detailed introductions to
  weighting and imputation (with WORKSHOP)
• Analysis (Not covered as there are other RSS courses that cover analysis)
• What makes a good survey report
  Appendices with:
• Approaches to ensure quality (best practice, total survey error, total quality management)
• Ethical considerations

Learning Outcomes

• Have a better awareness of quality areas for producing a successful and efficient quantitative survey
• Be able to critique aspects of existing surveys from both the practical and statistical sides
• Have knowledge to conduct or improve the quality of their own surveys

Knowledge Assumed

For the sampling part of the course, it would be helpful if participants have at least some familiarity with basic statistical concepts such as normal distribution, mean and standard deviation.

Certificate of attendance

Hard copy certificate - Included