Surveys

Process for thinking about scope and format
1. Write a statement of purpose
2. Write specific objectives that relate to that purpose
3.Decide if you would conduct your survey by mail, phone, internet, or personal interviews
4.Justify your choice of collection methods

Process/guidelines for designing the survey instrument
Outline the various topics you want to include in the survey
Consider the purpose of each question you intend to ask
Decide on the structure (closed=multiple choice, checkbox  v open ended formats=respondents use their own language)
Avoid psychologically sensitive questions (questions that may trigger defenses or promote conflict in respondent)  For the survey of new students/graduates from the MA program, a sensitive question might be "Do you feel you are successful in your chosen profession?"
As you compose questions, review them for clarity
Short questions are preferable to long ones
Positive wording is preferable to negative wording
Ask only one idea with each question
Avoid leading question
Emphaize main concepts with italics or underlines.

Testing your survey
use a group similar to the group you will study
ask the pilot group for their help. Encourage them to note what is confusing, what is left out, and what doesn't need to be there
administer the survey in the same way you will use it in your study
collect your participants comments either through post survey conversations, or comments written on the survey itself
revise your survey in light of the testing