Essentials of Survey Research Design

Description:

Level: Foundation (F)

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

Cost:

£599.76 to £832.32 (including VAT)

Website and registration:

Region:

Greater London

Keywords:

Survey Research, Survey and Questionnaire Design, Survey design , Data collection , Sample design

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Survey Research

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