1. Surveys 1

2. Unit 5: Collecting data
Survey
A structured way to collect standardized information from individuals using a questionnaire.
Surveys may be conducted once; at repeated intervals, or concurrently with multiple samples
They may be used to collect information from a few or many

3. Checking in… What do you think? Answer YES or NO to
each of the following
A survey is always appropriate
Surveys are one of the most popular ways to collect information
An or online survey is better than the old mail or telephone surveys
Careful planning is necessary
Advance notice to potential respondents helps increase response rate
A low response rate increases the likelihood of biased results
Check your answers 3

4. Check your answers A survey is always appropriate - NO
Surveys are one of the most popular ways to collect information - YES
An or online survey is better than the old mail or telephone surveys – NO, not necessarily
Careful planning is necessary - YES
Advance notice to potential respondents helps increase response rate - YES
A low response rate increases the likelihood of biased results - YES 4

5. Unit 5: Collecting data
Surveys are used when…
You want to collect information from individuals (vs. a group or collective)
You want standardized information from everyone
Potential respondents can read and write
You want information from many people
Privacy is important or independent opinions and responses are needed
You have resources to send, track, analyze and interpret the questionnaires

6. Pros and cons of survey PROS
Way to collect information from many people; dispersed people
Person can remain anonymous
Provides standardized information across respondents
Allows easy tabulation
CONS
Results can be easily biased
Can miss important information – questions and answer choices are predetermined
Requires literacy skills

7. Types of surveys Hand-out Mail Telephone Face-to-face Email
Web survey – Online survey
Mixed mode: uses two or more of above
Recommendation: use a mix of modes to ensure that everyone can and does respond

8. Which type of survey should I choose?
“It depends”… upon
What you want to know – how complex or sensitive the information is
Who the respondents are – their characteristics and which type of survey will be most appropriate
Your time line, and
Available resources

9. If you’ve determined that a survey is the best and most appropriate way to collect information, then take some time to plan your survey.