Survey Workshop

Important: each method has minimum requirements for data collection. Always review method requirements on the Method Requirements page BEFORE designing and executing your study!

Directions:

This workshop consists of a self-paced slide show, tasks for you to complete and bring to class, as well as links and basic information below. The slides are available in Keynote and PDFs (PDFs are accessible for screen readers). These slides are plain and designed to download fast and simply provide you with information you need for this course. You must submit the required materials here AND participate in the in class workshop for credit.

Review the materials below, download the workshop slides and the survey, complete the survey task, and participate in the physical class meeting

Survey Workshop Survey: Survey_Workshop_Survey_Comm151i_SP2015.doc Download Survey_Workshop_Survey_Comm151i_SP2015.doc

Keynote: Survey_Workshop_151i_Canvas_hybrid.key Download Survey_Workshop_151i_Canvas_hybrid.key

PDF: Survey_Workshop_151i_Canvas_hybrid.pdf Download Survey_Workshop_151i_Canvas_hybrid.pdf

To earn credit for this workshop you must:

1. Download the Survey questions from Canvas. You can print and administer this survey or copy and paste into other formats.
2. You must get a minimum of 10 responses (returned and filled out surveys). More is okay but keep in mind the more you collect, the more data you will have to code.
3. Write-up and upload 150-250 words on the challenges and success of your survey experience.
4. Come to class, make sure you can access your survey materials, be prepared to work in teams.

Question Phrasing and Word Use Matters: A Tale Of Two Polls Links to an external site.

Good Survey Resources

Pew Internet and American Life Project. Easily the best source of new media related survey data and a great place to see how surveys actually work. http://pewinternet.org/ 

Research Methods Knowledge Base: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/survsel.php

What is a Survey? Great basic guide for non-professionals: http://www.whatisasurvey.info/ 

Guide for creating a better survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/survey-guidelines

How to approach someone to take your survey (if needed to be contact via email/message): http://www.bloomtools.com/articles/how-to-create-surveys-that-work.html

Information about how to create different rating scales with examples: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Soc_survey.shtml

Thanks to Brittany for finding some of these sources!

Online Survey Tools

Here are some websites that help you conduct surveys and process survey data.

SJSU provides Qualtrics Links to an external site. online survey software for all students and faculty

Survey Monkey

Kwik Surveys

Tip for Using Facebook for Surveys

Distributing surveys or collecting data via your Facebook contacts can be a good strategy, especially if you work in a pair or a team. However, just because they are your "friends" does not mean they will cooperate. Flakespace trumps cyberspace every time!

The best way to get people's attention is to create an event for the survey which puts the link for the survey on your friend's page and to send regular reminders. A survey can be a great way to get interviewees or recruit focus group participants. Simply add a final question that asks if people are willing to participate and have them ID themselves there. Then you can select a good combination of willing participants since you already know something about them. For example, heavy versus light users of Facebook or a good sample of different genders, races, age groups, etc.

General Tips

1. Make sure to recruit people and warn them a survey is coming, what it is, and why they should cooperate.

2. Create a time frame for participation and send several reminders.

3. Always thank participants for their cooperation.

4. Consider an inducement such as a drawing for a prize, candy, or other rewards.