SURVEY RESEARCH Research Methods University of Massachusetts at

SURVEY RESEARCH Research Methods University of Massachusetts at Boston © 2011 William Holmes 1

WHAT IS SURVEY RESEARCH? • Systematic data collection • Using a standardized process • And uniform administration 2

TYPES OF SURVEYS: QUESTIONNAIRES • • • Face to face questionnaires Drop-off questionnaires Internet questionnaires Mailed questionnaires Group questionnaires Case record coding forms 3

TYPES OF SURVEYS: INTERVIEWS • • Face to face interviews Group interviews, focus groups Internet interviews Phone interviews 4

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN: QUESTIONNAIRES AND INTERVIEWS QUESTIONNAIRES INTERVIEWS Large samples Small samples Highly structured Loosely structured Highly confidential Less confidential Low interaction High interaction Low cost High cost 5

PRINCIPLES FOR GOOD QUESTIONS: 1 • • Ask about one thing at a time Use language appropriate for population Give clear choices for structured responses Think about branching questions for subgroups 6

PRINCIPLES FOR GOOD QUESTIONS: 2 • • Don’t ask evaluative questions Have some easy questions first Include interesting questions Borrow good questions of others 7

GAINING COOPERATION • • • Appeal to authority Appeal to altruism Offer benefits Use bandwagon effect Make it interesting Make it personal 8

TRAINING STAFF • Look for good communication skills • Rehearse giving questionnaires and interviews • Role-play questionnaires and interviews • Practice dealing with difficulties • Give staff options • Protect staff safety 9

MONITORING SURVEY: MECHANICS • Number respondents • Number forms • Assign specific responsibility for tasks • Have confidentiality procedures in place • Have backup procedures in place 10

MONITORING SURVEY: PROCESS • • • Track sample coverage Track data forms Follow-up non-response Follow-up missing data Track data entry 11

CODEBOOKS ITEM VARIABLE CODES DESCRIPTION 1 Gender 1 Male 2 Female 9 Missing 12