Surveys

Presenters: Michael Ames Connor, Lisa McConachie,

Meredith Michaud, Donna Webb

Why and when to use surveys According to Vogt and colleagues (2012) “…surveys are probably the most commonly used research design in the social and behavioral sciences” (p. 15).

“The first question to ask when deciding whether a survey design is good for your study is simple: Can you learn what you want to know by asking people?” (p. 21).

Survey = type of research method used to gather information from a sample of individuals through their reactions to questions (Krathwohl, 2009)

In general, use when:● brief answers to structured questions can yield you data● can get reliable answers directly from individuals ● you anticipate a decent response rate and know how you’ll use the

dataThree modes of gathering data:● face-to-face (beneficial when individuals can’t read; can explain

meaning of questions)● telephone (beneficial when individuals are remote)● self-administered (beneficial when time time and money is limited

and identities of individuals are not an issue)

Different survey types and designs:

1. cross-sectional- gather data at one point in time - use when only able to collect data at one time or comparing at specific time● event-history design- data is retrospective as individuals are

asked to recollect information from past 2. longitudinal-gather data over a period of time● cohort design- large population remains the same, but you

use new samples over time ● panel design- populations stays the same and you want to

measure changes● trend design- focus on same population, but data can come

from different studies to show evidence of a trend

Strengths/Limitations:Considered within the context of the study and participants surveying.•Literacy of participants;•Need to explain meaning of questions;•Anonymity of participants;•Sample size, cost, time;•Accessibility to group.

Strengths:“Surveys are popular because they can be efficient, providing researchers with a great deal of evidence at a relatively small monetary cost” (Vogt, et al., 2012, p. 15)

•Can obtain quantitative and qualitative data based on survey design;•Large sample size available efficiently;•Anonymity can be allowed;•Multiple means of administration;•Able to compare responses of various groups.

Limitations: •The development of valid, clearly communicated questions is time consuming (questions may be too general or specific to obtain reliable data).•Participants may not answer honestly.•Data errors may exist due to non-responses, low response rates. •Potentially unclear data because certain answers may be interpreted differently by participants i.e. “somewhat agree”.•Customized surveys may have research bias.

Google Forms: Survey Results Thank you for taking our survey!

Google Forms: Survey Results

Google Forms: Survey Results

Google Forms: Survey Results

Google Forms: Survey Results

Google Forms: Survey Results

Google Forms: Survey Results What you get:

Spreadsheet:https://docs.google.com/a/pdx.edu/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArLR9vgjIFHGdEpqZVF6TjY2MGF2ZFhTUk1vRUlDLWc&usp=drive_web#gid=0

Visual analyticshttps://docs.google.com/a/pdx.edu/forms/d/11gqJZgfOTSuBC6O4ZvPk05gzvervjQfYdB0bhXgzctQ/viewanalytics

Google Forms: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:● free● easy to administer survey● easy to get results

Weaknesses:● not all options for question format● some limitations in explanatory text

Key Scholars:● Fowler, F. J. (2009). Survey research methods (4th ed.). Thousand

Oaks, Calif.; London: SAGE. Retrieved from http://srmo.sagepub.com/view/survey-research-methods/SAGE.xml

•Vogt calls it “a good beginning”•Available as an ebook via PSU library

● Rea, L. M., & Parker, R. A. (2013). Designing and conducting survey research: A comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from http://rbdigital.oneclickdigital.com

•Recommended by Dr. Moti Hara•Available as an ebook via PSU library

● Buchanan, E. A. & Hvizdak, E. E. (2009). Online survey tools: Ethical and methodological concerns of human research ethics committees. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics: An International Journal, 4(2), 37-48.