Primary Research Surveys
Preparation n Review your notes on the topic you are researching. n Select key variables to be tested. n Draft and test a set of questions. n Design the survey to be quick and easy. n Choose and contact a sample.
Questions to Ask n Avoid biased questions. Example: Do you think it’s morally wrong to kill unborn babies through abortion? n Avoid vague questions. Example: Do you like high-quality pastries? n Place your most interesting questions first. n Limit the number of questions.
Samples n random sample n convenience sample n targeted sample
Documentation of Survey n Report the size and make-up of your sample in your paper. n Put a blank copy of your survey in an appendix at the end of your paper. n On your “Works Cited” page, list your survey under your own name. For Example: Steinberg, Glenn. “Dorm Survey.” The College of New Jersey, 2002.