Survey Research – Step-by-Step Guide

14.09.20 Collecting data Time to read: 6min

How do you like this article?

0 Reviews


Survey-Research-01

Survey research is the method used in data collection from a specific group of people to gain insight into topics of interest. This method involves asking the predefined group of people questions on one or several issues. The following blog contains FAQs about survey research, step-by-step guide on how to conduct a survey and tips that provide you with insight on how an excellent investigation should look like.

Survey Research – FAQ

Answering the most common questions that students ask about research will help you gain a better understanding of survey research. Some of these questions include:

The diverse types of surveys are categorised according to the method of deployment. This means that the types of survey are named according to how the information is gotten. They include online, paper, telephonic and one-on-one surveys.

Tip: If you are done with your academic work, we can help you with dissertation printing!

Survey research provides some benefits over other types of surveys. Some of these advantages include the following:

  • They are relatively easy to conduct
  • Saves time than other methods of data collection
  • Although the cost is dictated by the method of performance, they are generally cost-effective
  • Can be performed remotely via online platforms
  • Ideal for collecting data from a large number of respondents
  • Provides extensive flexibility by allowing numerous questions to be asked about one or several subjects
  • A standard survey has very few chances of errors
  • A broad range of data can be collected regarding various aspects of life including beliefs, behaviour and opinions
  • Advanced statistical techniques can be used to analyse data thanks to surveying software

The two main characteristics of the survey include variables of interest and samples. These are explained as follows:

  • Variable of Interest: In essence, the variable of interest is the main subject a researcher wants information about and the questions. When asking the questions, the surveyor asks the respondents to report their thoughts, behaviours, beliefs, and feelings.
  • Samples: Sampling is the action of selecting a subset of elements from a finite population to deduce the results obtained from the research to the readers. The main goal of sampling is to reduce survey costs.

While it’s recommended that you obtain all the relevant information about your target, you should not tire your respondents with too many questions. You ought to ask specific questions that are right on target and will influence the respondents to open up. Ideally, your survey research should have about 20 questions, which will take just five minutes of the respondents’ time. Also, your questions should be clear, concise, and short to ensure that anyone with an 8th-grade reading level can understand and answer your questions.

Typical survey research can take between two to ten days to be complete. Some of the issues that contribute to the varying duration include:

  • The sample size
  • Number of questions in the survey
  • The target audience
  • Percentage of the respondents who met your requirements

Survey Research: Definition

This type of study is defined as the process of researching a particular subject through the use of questions. The information collected from the research is consequently analysed to derive a conclusive meaning over the research. Survey research has multiple purposes and can be conducted through several methods depending on the goal of the researcher.

Utilise the final format revision for a flawless end product
Before the printing process of your dissertation, revise your formatting using our 3D preview feature. This provides an accurate virtual depiction of what the physical version will look like, ensuring the end product aligns with your vision.

Survey Research: Step-by-Step Guide

As a student, you need to conduct a survey when asked by your professor or when your subject of study demands survey research. The following is a step-by-step guide that will help you perform the study efficiently.

Survey-Research-purpose-of-survey

Determine the Purpose of your Survey

The first step in every survey research is to determine a subject of interest. Depending on your research question, you need to identify the target respondents of your survey. This means that you ought to target the specific a specific group of people. This may include college students or customers who frequent a particular mall. Your survey should be generalised to the target audience and should define precisely who you need to get conclusions about.

Survey-Research-create-a-list-of-questions

Create a List of Questions

Survey research can include several types of questions, which include matrix table questions, single or multi-response questions, as well as open and closed questions. In most cases, people like to take part in survey research that has short, concise questions. Ideally, when writing these questions, you need to use simple language and avoid double negations.

Survey-Research-invite-participants

Invite Participants

There are numerous ways in which you can invite your correspondents. Depending on your type of survey research, you may send your target audience emails, design a burner, and post it on the school website or board or hand out questionnaires.

Survey-Research-analysing-the-results

Gather your Response

You need to monitor and gather your response, as your final sample size will depend on the number of respondents who completed your survey. Ideally, you may increase the interest and number of participants by providing an incentive. This may include a gift for completion or a lottery.

Survey-Research-gather-the-response

Analysing the Results

After gathering all the data, you may create charts and graphs to provide a quick reference to your results. You may also utilise text analysis as well as a word cloud on open-ended questions, which will help you pinpoint the common response trends in your survey research. If you are using an online survey, the data will be saved automatically, which means that you can analyse your results right away.

As mentioned earlier, problem-solving can also be viewed as art. Depending on your skill level, you will find that there are numerous ways of laying out a given task. Applying some elegance to this process guarantees that even the uninformed reader will understand what it is that you are trying to do. Furthermore, a problem that has been broken down into constituent sections always appears simple.

Survey-Research-write-a-report

Writing a Report

The result you get from your analysis will come in handy in writing a concluding report. This report is meant to explain your findings and state whether they have met your goals. The description should be short and conclusive of the entire data. A successful study should provide you with reliable answers to the subject in question, which should allow you to create a final report.

Avoid losing marks on your final paper
Incorrectly citing sources or paraphrasing often result in mark deductions. Run your paper through our online plagiarism checker to minimise risking penalties for committing plagiarism. In just 10 minutes, you can submit your paper assuredly.

Five tips for a good Survey Research

Use the following tips to create an excellent survey research that will provide conclusive results.

  • Define its purpose from the get-go

Ensure that you have a clear objective with your study. The last thing you want is to end up with a set of results that have no real decision or direction.

  • Use concise and straightforward questions

Most people respond to questions that they can understand. A questionnaire with endless questions will automatically put off potential respondents.

  • Keep your Survey short and focused

It would help if you kept your study short to attract respondents and ensure completion

  • Provide an incentive to attract a significant number of responders

An incentive comes in handy in attracting people to respond to your survey and gives them a reason to help you out.

  • Utilise Response Scale

Response scales show the intensity of your attitude towards the subject in question, which helps provide in-depth feedback.

In a Nutshell

  • Conducting great survey research is an easy task that you should handle before completing your college or university education
  • An excellent survey research should provide you with reliable, transparent and actionable insight regarding your quest
  • The process is easy if you understand it and inexpensive to conduct
  • The results of a survey research study are essential as they can help you understand vita subjects in life