Unit 6: Survey Research

This unit contains the following sections:

6.1 Preface
6.2 Learning Outcomes
6.3 Introduction to Survey Research
6.4 References

6.1 Preface

Survey research is a non-experimental, descriptive form of research that studies characteristics of populations through the use of surveys and interviews.

We anticipate that you will need about 7 hours (420 minutes) to complete this unit.

6.2 Learning Objectives

After completing Unit 6, you should be able to

select a survey method suited for a particular type of research.
construct a survey.
analyze the reliability of survey results.

6.3 Introduction to Survey Research

We estimate that this segment of Unit 6 should take about 7 hours (420 minutes) to complete.

Reading Assignment 6.3.R1

The first reading below introduces the basic concepts that underlie survey research; the second is a useful tutorial offered by a survey software developer.

Survey methodology. (2014, 14 February). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 8, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Survey_methodology&oldid=595467070

Creative Research Systems. (2011). Survey design. Retrieved from http://www.surveysystem.com/sdesign.htm
You may find the “Research aids” listed on the left-hand side of the screen useful.

Reading Assignment 6.3.R2

This article considers specific aspects of online research. Make certain that you follow each of the links included in the article, and each of the sublinks given under the link “Constructing the survey” at the left-hand side of the screen.

Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Survey research. Retrieved from the website of the Research Methods Knowledge Base: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/survey.php

Practice Assignment 6.3.P1

Read the article identified below, and identify two standards that are relevant for your research, and explain how such standards would help maintain the quality of your research.

Government of the United States. (n.d.). Proposed standards and guidelines for statistical surveys. Retrieved January 13, 2012, from the website of the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
To locate this item, go to the White House website and follow the instructions provided below.
1. In the search box on the home page, type in “statistical surveys.”
2. Click on the search icon.
3. Scroll down to the link titled “[PDF] Proposed Standards and Guidelines for Statistical Surveys.”

Assignment 1

It’s time to submit Assignment 1 on the course home page.

6.4 References

Creative Research Systems. (2011). Survey design. Retrieved from http://www.surveysystem.com/sdesign.htm

Government of the United States. (n.d.). Proposed standards and guidelines for statistical surveys. Retrieved from the website of the White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

LimeSurvey. (n.d.). LimeSurvey download page. Retrieved from https://www.limesurvey.org/

Survey methodology. (2014, 14 February). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 8, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Survey_methodology&oldid=595467070

SurveyMonkey. (1999–2011). SurveyMonkey 1-888-803-5496. Retrieved from http://try.surveymonkey.com/?gclid=CN3Mt4yhyKwCFQRYhwods17Tqg

Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Survey research. Retrieved from the website of the Research Methods Knowledge Base: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/survey.php

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