Research Methods
Major Characteristics of Survey Research * Most surveys possess three basic characteristics: (1) the collection of information (2) from a sample (3) by asking questions, in order to describe some aspects of the population of which the sample is a part.
The Purpose of Survey Research * The major purpose of all surveys is to describe the characteristics of a population. * Rarely is the population as a whole studied, however. Instead, a sample is surveyed and a description of the population is inferred from what the sample reveals.
Types of Surveys * There are two major types of surveys: cross-sectional surveys and longitudinal surveys. * Three longitudinal designs commonly employed in survey research are trend studies, cohort studies, and panel studies. * In a trend study, different samples from a population whose members change are surveyed at different points in time. * In a cohort study, different samples from a population whose members do not change are surveyed at different points in time. * In a panel study, the same sample of individuals is surveyed at different times over the course of the study. * Surveys are not suitable for all research topics, especially those that require observation of subjects or the manipulation of variables.
Steps in Survey Research * The focus of study in a survey is called the unit of analysis. * As in other types of research, the group of persons that is the focus of the study is called the target population. * There are four basic ways to collect data in a survey: by direct administration of the survey instrument to a group, by mail, by telephone, or by personal interview. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. * The sample to be surveyed should be selected randomly if possible. * The most common types of instruments used in survey research are the questionnaire and the interview schedule.
Questions Asked in Survey Research * The nature of the questions, and
The Purpose of Survey Research * The major purpose of all surveys is to describe the characteristics of a population. * Rarely is the population as a whole studied, however. Instead, a sample is surveyed and a description of the population is inferred from what the sample reveals.
Types of Surveys * There are two major types of surveys: cross-sectional surveys and longitudinal surveys. * Three longitudinal designs commonly employed in survey research are trend studies, cohort studies, and panel studies. * In a trend study, different samples from a population whose members change are surveyed at different points in time. * In a cohort study, different samples from a population whose members do not change are surveyed at different points in time. * In a panel study, the same sample of individuals is surveyed at different times over the course of the study. * Surveys are not suitable for all research topics, especially those that require observation of subjects or the manipulation of variables.
Steps in Survey Research * The focus of study in a survey is called the unit of analysis. * As in other types of research, the group of persons that is the focus of the study is called the target population. * There are four basic ways to collect data in a survey: by direct administration of the survey instrument to a group, by mail, by telephone, or by personal interview. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. * The sample to be surveyed should be selected randomly if possible. * The most common types of instruments used in survey research are the questionnaire and the interview schedule.
Questions Asked in Survey Research * The nature of the questions, and