Personal opinion surveys

Abstract

Although surveys are an extremely common research method, surveybased research is not an easy option. In this chapter, we use examples of three software engineering surveys to illustrate the advantages and pitfalls of using surveys. We discuss the six most important stages in survey-based research: setting the survey's objectives; selecting the most appropriate survey design; constructing the survey instrument (concentrating on self-administered questionnaires); assessing the reliability and validity of the survey instrument; administering the instrument; and, finally, analysing the collected data. This chapter provides only an introduction to survey-based research; readers should consult the referenced literature for more detailed advice. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.