Module overview
Students taking this module will gain first-hand experience in the design and implementation of surveys
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the various sources of survey error and means of controlling them using design principles
- Demonstrate awareness of the key principles and practices of survey design and implementation
- Writing skills
- Identify, describe and evaluate a range of sampling designs
- Problem solving;
- Construct survey questionnaires according to best practice and drawing on the relevant social and cognitive psychological literature;
- Project management;
Syllabus
This module is an introduction to key issues in the design and implementation of random sample surveys. Students will be introduced to the Total Survey Error framework in which survey quality is understood as the practice of minimising the total error in survey estimates (bias + variance) for a fixed cost. The content of the module will focus on the different approaches to drawing random samples, modes of administration, principles of questionnaire design, assessing and correcting for non-response and longitudinal survey designs.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be delivered face-to-face and will include lectures, seminars, exercises, and independent studies. A range of resources will also be provided for further self-directed study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 100 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Other. Access to text books, journal articles, web sites and other sources of related information. Resources to support the production of blended learning materials will be made available by the Doctoral Training Centre.
Textbooks
Groves, Robert M., F.J. Fowler, Mick P. Couper, James M. Lepkowski, Eleanor Singer, and R. Tourangeau. (2009). Survey Methodology. New York: Wiley.
Dillman, D., Smyth, J. and Christian, L. (2009). Internet, Mail and Mixed-Mode Surveys: the tailored design method. NY: Wiley.
Bradburn, N. M. and Sudman, S. (2004). Asking questions.. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
de Leeuw, E.D., Hox, J. & Dillman, D. (Eds.) (2008). The International Handbook of Survey Methodology. New York/London: Erlbaum/Taylor & Francis.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Formative assessment through feedback from seminar activities.
The assessment will require students to write a survey design proposal that critiques the ‘clients’ draft questionnaire and considers survey mode and cost, sampling strategies, response rates and sample representativeness.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External