key steps to running a survey

Key Steps to running a survey

Aims and Objectives

Have clear aims and objectives for the project. Ensure you know what you want to get out of the survey at the beginning of the project and NOT at the end.

Existing Information/Research

Find out what information already exists about your topic. Existing sources, particularly secondary data can be used to support, add to or provide a new way at looking at the primary data you have collected or are about to collect.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Government Organisations Private studies

Surveys

Four common forms of collection methodologies

InterviewsObservationQuestionnairesExperimental Research.

In-depth Interviews

Interviews are useful if you need a lot of detailed information

In-depth Interviews

Appropriate for small numbers of people Use open-ended questionsProvide explanatory and evaluative

research For example “Investigating attitudes

towards refugees”

Interview checklist

Clarify Objectives

Be clear about the purpose of the interview

Example

Overall structure

Note down the major issues you would like to discuss.

Structure your questions around each issue you want to address

Example

Specific structure

Start with introductory questions – easy to answer and provide specific information about the person

Next use broad-based questions that allow the respondent to talk more freely and openly about the issue.

Finish with follow up questions which pick up on particular issues.

Example

Example

Example

Closure

Ask your respondent if there is anything he or she would like to add.

Example

Observation

Observation research is concerned with looking at or observing some form of behaviour

Used to study..

Peoples use of a place or serviceSituations where communication is

difficult.Antisocial or illegal behaviourThings that are essentially visual (e.g.

art, fashion, displays etc.)

Stages in an Observation Project

Choose a site

Choose and inspect a site that will provide suitable conditions for observation

Observation point

Make sure you see the entire site from your observation point

Explore if the observation point will effect your results

Time period

Choice of time important as variations in the use of the site might be effected by time of the year, week, or day.

Continuous observation or spot counts

Continuous counting gives a complete picture but requires a great deal of time.

Spot counts involves counting involved counting the number of people present at particular times.

How often you undertake observations depends on the rate of change in the use of the site.

Decide what to observe

numbersactivitiesuser characteristics.

Divide site into zones

If you are observing a large area you may need to create zones and you might need to get help with the observation.

Example

Data recording sheet

Design a data recording sheet before you carry out the observation

It should be designed so you can quickly record your observations.

Example

Conduct observation

Observation is straightforward if well planned

Video or photography may be helpfulBe safe

Analyze results

Tables GraphsCalculation of percentages and averages

Questionnaire Surveys

Questionnaires involve the gathering of information from people using a formally designed set of questions

When to use questionnaire surveys

Public opinion (e.g. opinions about Muslims wearing head scarfes)

User profile (e.g. Use of school gym)Group profile (e.g. Young people and

social networking)

Questionnaire surveys

Decide what information is required and from whom.

Types of Survey

Household survey Street survey Telephone surveyMail surveySite or user surveyCaptive group survey

Questionnaires can be

Interviewer-completedRespondent-completed

Sampling

The best results are obtained when you are able to collect data from the entire population

Sample needs to be representative of your target population (e.g. migrants, students at Nazareth, women under 30, etc. )

Sample size

While sample size is important (50 is an appropriate number for the research you will need to carry out for school)

the key factor is getting a representative sample.

Types of Sampling

Random Sampling

One of the best ways to achieve representativeness.

Selecting respondents so all members of the population as far as possible has the same chance of being chosen.

The aim is to avoid bias.

Quota Sampling

Nature of the population is used in the sample selection process

Example

The questionnaire

Wording of questions

Use simple languageAvoid ambiguity Avoid leading questions Ask one question at a time

Inform the potential respondent about

Nature and purpose of the surveyThe name of the organisation carrying

out the researchConfidentiality of the data.

Example

Types of questions

Pre-coded and Open-ended QuestionsFactual, Opinion and Attitude Questions

Ordering the questions

Start with easy questionsRelevant questionsPersonal questions

Examples

Open-ended factual

Pre-coded factual

Pre-coded factual

Pre-coded factual

Open-ended Opinion

Observe factual

Present and analyze the results

Tables GraphsCalculation of percentages and averages

Example

Experimental Research

Experimental Research is concerned with testing a hypothesis.

Examples

Assessing the effects of lack of light in plant growth

Exploring the effects of watching excessive amounts of TV on student achievement in year 12.

Report & Presentation

Report on your findings and give a presentation if required.

Note any problems encountered which may affect the interpretation of the results.

Refer to original objective to see if it has been met.