Survey fundamentals

Abstract

This guide describes in non-technical terms the underlying principles of good survey design and implementation. Clear, simple explanations lead the reader through methodology and logistics decisions, writing effective questions, and drawing conclusions from the results. The guide also provides tips for maximizing the response rate as well as an overview of human subject rules. The material presented here is based on short courses presented by staff of the University of Wisconsin Survey Center in 2008 in honor of the UWSC’s 25th anniversary. The course materials were developed by Nora Cate Schaeffer, Jennifer Dykema, Kelly Elver, and John Stevenson. Nancy Thayer-Hart compiled this guide based on those courses, supplemented with additional material.