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Foundations of Survey Research is the systematic process of gathering data from a sample to make inferences about a larger population. It rests on two pillars: developing a sound sampling strategy to select a representative group, and creating a well-designed questionnaire to ensure the data collected is accurate and unbiased
Learning Objectives
- Define the Scope of Survey Research: Define survey research as a systematic method and identify the conditions under which it is an appropriate methodology, particularly for describing populations, measuring subjective states, and identifying correlations
- Evaluate Strengths and Limitations: Analyze the key strengths of survey research (efficiency, generalizability, versatility) and its limitations (challenges with causality, reliance on self-report, inflexibility)
- Differentiate Survey Types by Time: Distinguish between cross-sectional (snapshot) and longitudinal (over time) survey designs, and describe the three main types of longitudinal studies: trend, cohort, and panel
- Outline the Research Process: Identify and describe the major stages of the survey research process, from initial conceptualization and planning to data collection, analysis, and final reporting
- Develop Foundational Research Questions: Explain the process of translating a broad topic into a specific, measurable, and answerable research question, and formulate a corresponding testable hypothesis (null and alternative)