Survey Pointers
“The rightful concern of statisticians is the use of science to
provide relevant information on large populations,
to be made available to decision agents
within a short period of time and
of acceptable quality.”
I
n this fast changing world, problems in almost all fields of human endeavor have to be solved and resolved on scientific bases. The influence of decisions based on quantitative information has never been more evident than in the present decade especially with the use of modern technology. Indeed, the growing complexities of the activities and functions of the various fields of endeavor have made the use of statistics imperative.
However, one major problem among statisticians, under a given circumstance and budgetary constraints, is the production of reliable data due to built-in biases of the collectors and/or respondents.
In many cases, the main cause of failure in any research undertaking is the wrong choice of method in the collection of data. This is especially true in the case of survey. While the confidence level can be established as basis for accepting the representativeness of the samples, and variability can be computed for estimating probable sampling errors, it is virtually impossible to do the same due to errors introduced through bias either positively or negatively.
Perhaps the most important point to remember is that, despite the formidable arrays of formulae, statements of confidence, and tests of significance, the quality of data collected is the most important aspect of any survey. The information generated by statistical manipulation can only be as good as the data upon which it was based. The adage "Garbage In, Garbage Out" (Smith, 1981), therefore, should be borne in mind when designing surveys and gathering data, so that the processing of the data will bear useful results.
SURVEY DESIGN
Surveys are usually undertaken to provide answers for researchers on problem situations. Sometimes, however, a researcher just wants to establish a baseline on particular aspects of a situation against which to subsequently measure progress.
In any survey work, the first task is to identify the problem. Frequently, the researcher's objective is only half formulated, ambiguous, or a statement of observed symptoms about which he or she is concerned. Often, this is expressed as a question. One must get clear guidance on what to study before acting to develop a questionnaire or a lot of time and effort will go for naught. Once the purpose or problem has been stated in an objective manner, the need for a study will become clearer, and detailed survey questions can be formulated.
...sis, which could make all results invalid. With any research projects, limitations will be present. It is important to attempt to eliminate some of these causes in order to complete a thorough, accurate study. In future projects, this study could go about researching the issue in different ways. Perhaps using a larger sample size would be conducive for accurate results. A larger sample size helps reduce and even out any possible errors caused by those who do not answer truthfully. Also, keeping the surveys mainly anonymous would help to receive more truthful and accurate responses from participants. Participants may be fearful of judgments on open interviews or phone interviews, which could affect responses. In order to obtain as accurate results as possible, a future study would need to find ways to survey participants in a confidential way that feels comfortable.
The quantitative method of research in a study involves the use of queries, and the possibilities for reply have been prearranged (book). This method of research has the need for the use of a huge pool of respondents. The scope in this method of research has a necessity to be hypothetically impartial, in facts and be effective numerically. A random selection method, referred to as sampling, is used due to the huge amount of participants needed. Prior to the beginning of the study, a numerical method is used to govern the number of participants to allow the finding to be withi...
The final chapter of this book encourages people to be critical when taking in statistics. Someone taking a critical approach to statistics tries assessing statistics by asking questions and researching the origins of a statistic when that information is not provided. The book ends by encouraging readers to know the limitations of statistics and understand how statistics are
Two sampling methods include mail surveys and convenience sampling, a variation of a nonprobability sample. Mail surveys, inexpensive way to contact individuals over a large geographical area, provide anonymity to the respondent, and eliminate interview bias. Convenience sampling, a nonprobability sample, the only criteria is the convenience of the unit to the researcher, fast and uncomplicated, but the sampling error not determined.
The advances in technology have provided a number of ways to collect and interpret data in regards to scientific research. According to Cope (2014) using paper and pencil surveys is the tried and true method of collecting data; However, technology is quickly becoming a popular and at times a more efficient way to collect data. The use of technology allows interpreting data to become simpler, allows the researcher to reach a larger sample group and quicker compared
With this being said, numbers are not always coordinately correct. One reason would be because the people that are doing the survey wouldn’t understand the question and perhaps they would put whatever they wanted to. If people do this then the study being done for that reason would be incorrect. For example, when bringing back the idea of having the survey that asks questions to students, reading if they like coming to school would not be accurate, why? Because that specific questionnaire had to have their personal information and students would feel as if they had to lie because others, such as the director or the professors would see. It is better to have surveys that are anonymous or some that are rephrased by some questions to see if they are actually
The articles, published after 1996, contain varied methods of research attainment, but share similarities such as being a self-survey, having a small sample size, and being
Kelley, K et al. (2003). Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. Oxford Journal. 15 (3): 261-266.
Sampling is the raw resource which enables the quantitative researcher gain insight on the target population. In the past half-century, Haer & Becher (2012) note that surveys have become the ubiquitous data gathering devices serving many researchers purposes for assembling data in person or by mail. Nevertheless, the purpose of the survey is designed to gather valuable data, however, even more important is the design and in the way it is conducted ethically. Sampling strategies can be diverse depending on the resources and time available to a researcher. The surroundings in which the survey is conducted play in important role easy and participation which the data can be collected.
Fink, Arlene. "Reliable and Valid Survey Instruments." Sage. Sage, 2003. Web. 29 Jan. 2014. . The Survey Handbook, Second Edition
...s highly replicable and can be used on a longitudinal basis (Gerard, K., n.d.) When there is an advantage, there is a disadvantage. A poorly constructed survey can ruin the validity of the results, which is why any research method needs to be standardized. Response rates from random sampling can bias the result of the survey (Cherry, n.d.). Also, when using a close-ended question, participants may have an acquiescence response; where people tend to say “yes” or agree to the things that don't really affect them.
The research carried on both quantitative approach and qualitative approach. It began with quantitative approach—questionnaire. Bryman and Bell (2003) asserted that mail or postal questionnaires are most popular forms of questionnaires. Another form—self-completion questionnaire was also common because of the overlap with postal questionnaire to some extent.
Survey is a collection of data and information about various subjects. It is a quick, easily administrable and less expensive mode of sociological research which many researchers undertake in order to collect data from the participants or subjects of the research. It can be used to gather data on an extensive variety of things, including individual certainties, mentalities, past practices and supposition. A survey can be carried out in various forms. Questionnaires and interviews are two of the most important forms of collecting data which help us to carry out the surveys. Questionnaires can be sent out in many ways. Data can be collected through online questionnaires, questionnaires sent in mail, handed out in person and discussed over the phone. Interviews are a more personal form of data collection as compared to questionnaires.The researcher directly works with the respondent and collects data by either asking question face-to-face or over the telephone. But just like a coin has two sides, one cannot ignore the drawbacks of surveys as well. The statistics can be manipulated by the researcher and mended as per his own needs. For e.g.: a researcher conducting a research on national income might survey the upper class of the society only and form an analysis. This is a manipulated research as it ignores some sections of the society as per the discretion of the researcher. Also at times, there are chances that the options of answers given in an questionnaire may not be an exact impression of how the members genuinely
Collected data should be satisfactory for the researchers and the targeted group of individuals. When the data collection tools and methods are valid and reliable, one is sure that the collected data and information is then right and dependent (Read, 2013). Moreover, the validity of collection tools ensures accurate data collection hence satisfying the whole
Whether or not people notice the importance of statistics, people is using them in their everyday life. Statistics have been more and more important for different cohorts of people from a farmer to an academician and a politician. For example, Cambodian famers produce an average of three tons or rice per hectare, about eighty per cent of Cambodian population is a farmer, at least two million people support party A, and so on. According to the University of Melbourne, statistics are about to make conclusive estimates about the present or to predict the future (The University of Melbourne, 2009). Because of their significance, statistics are used for different purposes. Statistics are not always trustable, yet they depend on their reliable factors such as sample, data collection methods and sources of data. This essay will discuss how people can use statistics to present facts or to delude others. Then, it will discuss some of the criteria for a reliable statistic interpretation.