SURVEY*

Prepared by:
Mr. JOEY C. LANDICHO, MSP
Course Instructor
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the Components and Process of Survey Design;
2. Compare and Contrast Different Types of Surveys;
3. Discuss Ethical Considerations and Technological Advances
in Survey Research
Survey: A Common Data Collection Method
• Surveys are a widely utilized research method across various
disciplines, including social sciences, psychology, market research,
and public health.
• A survey is a structured data collection technique aimed at gathering
information from a sample population to understand attitudes,
opinions, behaviors, and characteristics.
Components of a Survey
• A survey typically consists of several key components:
1. Population: The target group of individuals that the survey aims to study.
2. Sample: A subset of the population from which data is collected.**
3. Questionnaire: A set of questions designed to collect data from
respondents.
4. Data Collection Method: The medium through which the questionnaire is
administered, such as online surveys, telephone interviews, paper-and-
pencil surveys, or face-to-face interviews.
5. Data Analysis Plan: Procedures for analyzing and interpreting survey data,
which may include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and qualitative
analysis techniques.**
Types of Surveys
• Surveys can be classified into various types based on their objectives,
methodology, and mode of administration:
1. Cross-sectional Surveys: Data is collected at a single point in
time to provide a snapshot of the population's characteristics or
opinions.**
2. Longitudinal Surveys: Data is collected from the same individuals
over multiple time points to examine changes or trends over
time.**
3. Descriptive Surveys: Aimed at describing the characteristics or
opinions of a population.**
4. Analytical Surveys: Seek to identify relationships or causal factors
between variables.**
5. Self-administered Surveys: Respondents complete the survey
independently without the presence of an interviewer.**
6. Interviewer-administered Surveys: An interviewer reads questions
and records responses from respondents.**
7. Mixed-mode Surveys: Utilize multiple data collection methods
within the same survey to maximize response rates and
representativeness.**
Survey Design Process
• The process of designing a survey involves several critical steps:
1. Define Research Objectives: Clearly outline the research goals
and objectives to guide survey development.
2. Select Survey Method: Choose the appropriate survey method
based on research objectives, budget, and target population.**
3. Develop Questionnaire: Design clear, concise, and unbiased
questions that effectively capture the desired information.
4. Pilot Test: Conduct a pilot test of the survey with a small sample
to identify and address any issues with question clarity,
formatting, or sequencing.
5. Administer Survey: Implement the survey using the selected data
collection method, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and
data protection protocols.**
6. Data Collection: Collect responses from the sample population
according to the survey administration method.
7. Data Cleaning and Analysis: Clean and code the collected data
before conducting statistical analysis or qualitative interpretation.**
8. Interpret Results: Analyze survey findings to draw conclusions and
implications relevant to the research objectives.
9. Report Findings: Communicate survey results through
comprehensive reports, presentations, or publications.
Advantages and Limitations
• Advantages:
• Efficient data collection from large and diverse populations.
• Standardized questionnaire ensures consistency in data collection.
• Allows for quantitative analysis of responses.
• Can be conducted remotely, reaching geographically dispersed
populations.
• Facilitates anonymity and confidentiality, encouraging honest
responses on sensitive topics.
• Limitations:
• Limited depth of information compared to qualitative methods.
• Vulnerable to response bias and non-response bias.**
• Dependence on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall
bias or social desirability bias.**
• Difficulty in ensuring representative samples, especially in online
surveys.
• Requires careful questionnaire design to minimize ambiguity and
response errors.
Ethical Considerations
• Researchers conducting surveys must adhere to ethical principles to
protect the rights and well-being of survey participants. Key ethical
considerations include obtaining informed consent, ensuring
confidentiality and anonymity, minimizing risks to participants, and
disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
Technological Advances in Survey Research
• With the evolution of technology, surveys have transitioned from
traditional paper-and-pencil methods to diverse digital platforms.
Online surveys, mobile applications, and computer-assisted
interviewing tools offer greater accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and
data security.
• However, researchers must also be mindful of digital divide issues,
potential biases in online samples, and the need for robust
cybersecurity measures.
Reference(s):
• Babbie, E. (2016). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning.
• Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, Phone,
Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. John
Wiley & Sons.
• Fowler Jr, F. J. (2013). Survey Research Methods. SAGE Publications.
• Groves, R. M., Fowler Jr, F. J., Couper, M. P., Lepkowski, J. M., Singer,
E., & Tourangeau, R. (2011). Survey Methodology. John Wiley & Sons.