Read the summary and the most important questions on Designing Surveys: A Guide to Decisions and Procedures | 9781412997348

• 1 Survey Practice

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• What is a survey?

  Surveys collect information by interviewing a sample of respondents from a well-defined population.

• What is the identifying characteristic of a survey interview?

  De use of a fixed questionnaire with prespecified questions.

• What is a strength of observation versus surveys? What are two weaknesses of observation versus surveys?

  Strength: not subject to reporting bias. 
  Weakness: can't measure mental states, not efficient for measuring infrequent behaviors. 

• What are two strengths of focus groups versus surveys? What are two weaknesses of focus groups versus surveys?

  Strength: can probe freely and go into depth, can see social dynamics.
  Weakness: expensive, poor population coverage.

• What is a strength of panels versus surveys? What are two weaknesses of panels versus surveys?

  Strength: shows changes over time.
  Weakness: expensive, a limited number of people will participate.

• What is a strength of experiments versus surveys? What is a weakness of experiments versus surveys?

  Strength: strong test of causation.
  Weakness: difficult to do outside lab. 

• Survey research is often a combination of disciplines, true or false?

  True: surveys are usually a team effort of many people with diverse skills.

• What influences survey practice over time? 

  Cultural norms. Social norms. Societal changes (can occur at different rates in different parts of the population). Technical development. 

• What are two ethical concepts central to the treatment of respondents?

  1. Informed consent.
  2. Confidentiality. 

• What is the main concern in designing and conducting a survey?

  To achieve the research of other date collection objectives within available resources.