When to use surveys?

Surveys are popular, because they are efficient; researchers can gather a great deal of information for a small cost and generally in a short amount of time. To consider whether surveys are a good idea for your study consider these issues (from Vogt, Gardner & Haeffele, 2012): 

1. The data are best obtained directly from the respondents

2. Your data can be obtained by brief answers to structured questions.

3. You can expect respondents to give you a reliable information.

4. You know how you will use the answers.

5. You can expect  an adequate response rate. 

Over the next few posts, I will be examining these criteria. Today we will address the first issue whether the data are best obtained directly from the respondents. 

Often the only way to obtain information about people is by asking them. This is especially true of subjective data, i.e., the inner states of the subjects being studied, such as attitudes, beliefs, or values. You can also use surveys to collect objective data, such as respondents' age, income, or years of work experience, which could be obtained in other ways, but it is usually easier simply to ask. However, if you have access to records, such as educational and medical records, these may be more accurate and possibly more efficient than asking individuals. People's memories are notoriously poor on such questions, as "how often have you visited your doctor in the past year." Having access to their records would make it much more accurate. Keep in mind that asking unimportant or needless questions tends to annoy participants and they may quit your study because of it. 

Next time we will consider resisting temptation. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu 

Vogt, W. P., Gardner, D. C., & Haeffele, L. M. (2012). When to use what research design. NY: The Guilford Press.