The Survey Kit

by Fink, Arlene; Litwin, Mark S.

• ISBN13: 9780803973886
• ISBN10: 0803973888
• Edition: Boxed
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-10-01
• Publisher: Sage Pubns

Summary

The kit that helped thousands of researchers and students do better survey research in the 90's has been completely updated and revised for the issues of the 21st century! " "The Survey Kit is an easy-to-understand, easy-to-follow, comprehensive guide for the novice survey researcher. In addition, it provides useful information about some qualitative research techniques such as interviews, focus groups, observational analysis, and content analysis. Pedagogical features in each volume such as checklists, reasonable resources needed, tips, and decision matrices help students focus on important aspects of the survey process and provide them with a sense of real life application. Detailed discussions of personal interviewing (survey and in-depth), focus group techniques, and risks and odds are welcome additions to the new volumes." " --Juanita M. Firestone, "University of Texas, San Antonio"

Table of Contents

How to Design Surveys: Learning Objectives	vii
Useful Surveys	1	(20)
Measurable Survey Objectives	2	(1)
Sound Survey Design	3	(1)
Sound Survey Sampling	3	(1)
Reliable and Valid Survey Instruments	4	(2)
Appropriate Survey Analysis	6	(1)
Accurate Survey Reports	6	(1)
Survey Design: The Arranged Environment	6	(8)
Checklist of Questions to Ask in Choosing a Survey Design	14	(7)
Classification of Designs for Surveys	21	(46)
Experiments	23	(11)
Concurrent Controls and Random Assignment	26	(8)
Guidelines for Experimental Designs Involving Randomly Assigned Concurrent Controls	34	(14)
Concurrent Controls but No Random Assignment	35	(5)
Self-Controls	40	(2)
Findings	42	(1)
Historical Controls	43	(2)
Combinations	45	(3)
Descriptions (or Observations)	48	(8)
Cross-Sectional Designs	48	(3)
Cohort Designs	51	(3)
Case-Control Designs	54	(2)
Internal and External Validity	56	(1)
Internal Invalidity: Checklist of Risks to Avoid	57	(2)
External Invalidity: Checklist of Risks to Avoid	59	(4)
Eight Commonly Used Study Designs	63	(4)
Exercises	67	(2)
Answers	69	(2)
Suggested Readings	71	(2)
About the Author	73	(10)
How to Report on Surveys: Learning Objectives	viii
Lists, Charts, and Tables: Presenting the Survey's Results	1	(28)
Lists	2	(2)
Guidelines for Using Lists in Survey Reports	4	(2)
Pie Charts	6	(4)
Guidelines for Preparing Pie Charts	10	(1)
Bar and Line Charts	11	(10)
Guidelines for Preparing Bar and Line Charts	21	(1)
Tables	22	(3)
Guidelines for Preparing Tables	25	(4)
Talking About the Survey	29	(28)
Learn About the Listeners	29	(1)
Overhead Transparencies and Slides	30	(2)
Guidelines for Preparing Overhead Transparencies	32	(1)
Guidelines for Preparing Slides	33	(2)
Talking About Surveys: Step by Step	35	(22)
Talks and Titles	35	(2)
How to Introduce the Talk	37	(3)
Overview of the Survey	40	(2)
Talking About Psychometrics	42	(2)
Explaining a Table	44	(1)
Talking About Design	45	(4)
Talking About Sampling	49	(3)
Talking About Data Analysis	52	(5)
The Written Report	57	(26)
Checklist of Contents for a Survey Report	58	(3)
Academic and Technical Survey Reports	61	(1)
Survey Reports for General Audiences	61	(1)
Contents of Reports	62	(1)
Table of Contents for a Technical Report	63	(8)
Table of Contents for a General Report	71	(3)
A Note on Report Length	72	(1)
The Executive Summary	72	(2)
Reviewing the Report for Readability	74	(1)
Reviewing the Report for Comprehensiveness and Accuracy	74	(9)
Exercises	83	(3)
Answers	86	(3)
Suggested Readings	89	(2)
About the Author	91