Survey research

Overview This section explores the main features of survey research in the social sciences and addresses questions such as: What is survey research? What is a survey? What types of surveys are there? What the strengths and weaknesses of survey research? What types of sampling are there? Survey research is a commonly-used research method in the social sciences. It involves gathering quantitative and/or qualitative data from participants typically using a questionnaire (or survey) or interview. A questionnaire might be delivered via mail, face-to-face, or online. Interviews may be conducted via phone, face-to-face, or live the internet. By using carefully controlled sampling procedures and research designs, it is assumed that a sample's responses to the survey will be representative of the target population's likely responses. It is important to appreciate the pros and cons of survey research designs (e.g., surveys can be a cost-efficient way to gather a lot of data, however, it can be costly to obtain representative data). For more information how to design surveys, see survey design. Educational level: this is a tertiary (university) resource.

Readings

1. Trochim, W. (2006). Survey research
2. For more, see external links

See also

1. Exercise
2. Survey design
3. Survey research and design in psychology
   1. Survey research (lecture)
4. Survey research (Wikipedia)

External links

1. NCSU, Survey research
2. Jung, B. Annotated survey research bibliography
3. Pattaraporn, J. (2007). Theoretical and technical comparison of two distinguished methodologies: Survey research and focus group interview. Bangkok University Academic Review, 6 (2).
4. Trochim, W. (2006). Survey research
   1. Plus and minus of survey methods
5. Google search for "survey research"