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.
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