Using a Practicum in a Surveys and Sampling Course Lisa Carnell High Point University lcarnell@highpoint.edu

Surveys and Sampling Course Description: Design of sample surveys and analysis of survey data. Simple random, stratified random, systematic, cluster, and multistage sampling designs, sample size determination, variance estimation, ratio and regression estimation, imputation, nonresponse. Prerequisite: Introductory statistics course

Texts

Survey Research Center

Survey Research Center (SRC) The Survey Research Center has: 22 computer stations in the School of Communication and 20 stations in Phillips to do interviews through phone calls A special software system that dials the numbers and helps collect information from people on the phone Calling: Monday – Thursday 5 – 9 pm and Saturday, Sunday 1-6pm Total of 6 hours spent calling for each of my students

SRC Practicum Objectives Give students experience in applying techniques of survey design and implementation in a real world setting. Increase student appreciation and understanding of statistical usage outside the classroom.

Student Interviewer Training Complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification and have certificate on file with HPU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) Receive training in interview skills including: -Establishing rapport -Appropriate feedback -Handling refusals -Avoiding bias -Probing

SRC Practicum Implementation Students received five days of interviewer training during class time on interview techniques and use of technology. Students created a cluster of questions that were included on the survey they called on. Students were debriefed on entire survey after its conclusion

SRC Practicum Implementation Students analyzed results from the questions the class submitted. Students did final project and presentations using data collected from previous surveys.

SRC Practicum Benefits 1. Increased interest in course material. 2. Higher quality of in-class discussion because of common experiences in SRC. 3. Development of skills to do research. Resume-builder Important professional development 4. Understanding of the “messiness” of statistics in real world usage.

Questions?