Students will gain an understanding of the multiple sources of survey error and how to identify and fix commonly occurring survey issues.
The course will cover writing questions; visual design of questions (drawing on concepts from the vision sciences); question ordering; increasing effortful responding; and increasing response rates.
The course is made up of a mixture of PowerPoint presentations, discussions, and activities built around real-world survey examples and case studies.
Participants will apply what they are learning in activities and will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the course (or during breaks) and to discuss the survey challenges they face with the instructor and other participants.
Recommended Text:
Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method (4th ed.). Wiley.
Recommended Audience:
This course will be of interest to anyone using or planning to use surveys in their evaluations.