At the beginning of class we had a general discussion about what surveys can and can't do, some of the problems associated with surveys, and different kinds of surveys and survey questions.
what surveys can and can't do
can do:
collect a large body of data fairly cheaply
provide statistical answers to clearly framed questions
because surveys rely on self-reports, it is difficult to get accurate information about what the respondents don't know, don't understand, or have misinformation about = all you can find out is wht respondents think
can't do
unpack the reasoning/particular interpretations that underlie the ways respondent complete surveys
some of the problems associated with surveys
poor return rates
people do not always answer them honestly
often, even when respondents have good intentions, there can be miscommunications
different cultures, as well as individuals with different experiences rate/respond to survey questions differently
survey formats
fill in the blank/write a response
multiple choice
rank on a scale
We then spent some time looking through the data collected for the MA in English studies program.
The survey's purpose was to assess the program's effectiveness,
The survey's specific objectives were to assesss whether the program provided students with:
- courses and experiences that would support their career choices/personal aspirations
- a sense of increased confidence and proficiency with respect to writing practices they will need for their future
- strong background in theory and practice that defines writing studies.
For next class:
Read: Texting and Writing
Blog 8: Post your group's analysis of the data from the MA program surveys. The focus of your analysis is to identify whether the program achieved its objectives. Use specific references to/analysis of the data to support your conclusions.
In class we will talk some more about designing effective surveys and planning studies that use what surveys can do in effective ways.
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