Survey Research Methods.

Abstract

Preface 1. Introduction Reasons for Surveys The Components of Surveys Purposes and Goals of This Text 2. Sampling The Sample Frame Selecting a One-Stage Sample Multistage Sampling Making Estimates From Samples and Sampling Errors How Big Should a Sample Be? Sampling Error as a Component of Total Survey Error Exercise 3. Nonresponse: Implementing a Sample Design Calculating Response Rates Bias Associated With Nonresponse Reducing Nonresponse in Telephone or Personal Interview Surveys Reducing Nonresponse to Mail Surveys Reducing Nonresponse to Internet Surveys Multimode Data Collection Correcting for Nonresponse Nonprobability (or Modified Probability) Samples Nonresponse as a Source of Error Exercise 4. Methods of Data Collection Major Issues in Choosing a Strategy Summary Comparison of Methods Conclusion Exercise 5. Designing Questions to Be Good Measures Increasing the Reliability of Answers Avoiding Multiple Questions Types of Measures/Types of Questions Increasing the Validity of Factual Reporting Increasing the Validity of Answers Describing Subjective States Question Design and Error Exercises 6. Evaluating Survey Questions and Instruments Defining Objectives Preliminary Question Design Steps Presurvey Evaluation Design, Format, and Layout of Survey Instruments Field Pretests Survey Instrument Length Conclusion Exercise 7. Survey Interviewing Overview of Interviewer Job Interviewer Recruitment and Selection Training Interviewers Supervision Survey Questions Interviewing Procedures Validation of Interviews The Role of Interviewing in Survey Error Exercise 8. Preparing Survey Data for Analysis Formatting a Data File Constructing a Code Approaches to Coding and Data Entry Data Cleaning Coding and Data Reduction as Sources of Errors in Surveys 9. Ethical Issues in Survey Research Informing Respondents Protecting Respondents Benefits to Respondents Ethical Responsibilities to Interviewers Conclusion 10. Providing Information About Survey Methods Exercise 11. Survey Error in Perspective The Concept of Total Survey Design Error in Perspective Conclusion References Index About the Author