1. IFS102: Information Skills in a Global Society
Conducting a Survey
IFS102: Information Skills in a Global Society
Kelly Lambert, Phoenix College Library

2. Surveys
Gather data on the knowledge, attitude and behavior of the general public or specific populations.
Used for the following things:
Political campaigns
Create marketing strategies
Plan public services
Many other things!
Adapted from: Maryland Department of natural Resources. “Conducting a Survey.” Accessed 2010 May 27. Available from:

3. Sampling
Can’t survey the entire population – so must sample the population.
Randomly selected
Apply conclusions to entire population
Example: you only need a sip of coffee to tell if it needs more sugar, you don’t need to drink the whole cup.
Adapted from: Maryland Department of natural Resources. “Conducting a Survey.” Accessed 2010 May 27. Available from:

4. What is a Survey?
Set of questions that look at behaviors and opinions of the respondent.
Surveys can be conducted in a few ways:
Online
Paper (such as mailed to them)
Phone
In-person
Benefit of Online or Paper survey – anonymous
Benefit of in-person – high response rate
Adapted from: Maryland Department of natural Resources. “Conducting a Survey.” Accessed 2010 May 27. Available from:

5. IFS102: Information Skills in a Global Society
Next Steps
You will be conducting this survey in person with your group – out on campus!
Need to collect 10 completed surveys from randomly selected students – try to find people different than yourself (non-ACE)
Talk with your group about your strategy:
will one person be the recorder and another person a surveyor? Will you split the work evenly?
Are you shy or outgoing?
What will you say to get them to take survey?
Adapted from: Maryland Department of natural Resources. “Conducting a Survey.” Accessed 2010 May 27. Available from:
Kelly Lambert, Librarian, Phoenix College