Chapter Five Survey Designs

Survey Design Cross-sectional studies that collect data on a topic at 1 point in time Measures many variables at once Uses statistical techniques to make inferences about relationships among variables

Rationale of the Survey used for large sample studies intending to use a sample to represent a larger population collects information on many variables typically may be altered for interviews to allow probing relatively easy, cheap

Steps in Survey Design Formulate the research question Select the type of survey (interview, phone,etc) Translate the objectives of the survey into items or questions Identify the population or setting Develop sampling procedures Design data collection procedures Pilot test data collection & analysis procedures Modify procedures as necessary Collect & analyze data & write report

General Rules: Administration establish legitimacy keep it simple report to respondent pay respondents, reciprocal relation no pressure to participate quality control

Individually-Delivered Questionnaires Personal contact avoid mail backs or drop-box return method use slotted return box record time/place information provide envelope for privacy

Group Administered Questionnaires voluntary nature of survey arrange in advance explain survey to respondents administer at end of session identify bad questionnaires

Mailed Questionnaires Response rate concern: key elements include: –salience of topic –number of contacts –incentives –government sponsored

Tips for Mailed Questionnaires legitimacy through sponsoring agency name in full, no initials, personal touch (hand written good) first-class mail, stamps, not metered stamped envelope for return codes on questionnaire incentive, use new coinage post-card follow up phone call follow up

Phone Survey Tips begin with salient & interesting establish rules for determining who gets interviewed monitor quality simplify response categories

Advantages & Limitations

Comparative Studies Comparative surveys involve comparing two or more samples on one or more variables, at one point in time Comparative studies are those whose very purpose is to compare May include quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of each method Cross-cultural & historical studies are examples

Examples of Comparative Nursing Studies Coming of Age in the New Metropolis (Palteil et al., 1998) Adaptation to Pregnancy in Three different Ethnic Groups (Lederman & Miller, 1998)

Challenges in Comparative Research Equivalence of concepts Equivalence of indicators Equivalence of language The problem of selecting evidence

Secondary Data Analysis The analysis of an existing data source, or set of documents, for some research purpose other than the one originally intended Involves re-analysis of data by another researcher to answer the same research question or another question or to apply a different method of analysis Most resembles survey designs in terms of the analytical procedures used

Secondary Data Analysis Purpose Sources of data Challenges in conducting secondary data analysis