Essay on the topic ‘Survey Methods’ PDF

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Essay on the topic ‘Survey Methods’...

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Response Paper on the topic ‘Survey Methods’ The reading for this class focuses on the topic of survey research. This book chapter began begins by defining what a survey is “A social research method in which researchers ask a sample of individuals to answer a series of questions” and the various purposes of surveys (Carr et al, 2018, p.2). Carr et al then proceeds to systematically examine the various aspects of survey research: the types of surveys in regard to how they are administered, the content found within surveys, the ways in which surveys are conducted, and the ethical concerns that arise in survey research. The end of the book chapter features a brief conclusion summing up this systematic examination. A critical point of the reading is that there is are weaknesses, many of which are classified as biases, associated with all survey methods. Carr et al systematically points out each of these weaknesses following the advantages of each survey method. For example, the text discusses the three modes of survey administration: “… (1) face-to- face interviews, (2) telephone surveys, and (3) mail surveys, or self- administered modes” (Carr et al, 2018, p.202). Each mode is then discussed on its own, including a paragraph devoted to the mode’s advantages followed by a paragraph devoted to its disadvantages. Carr et al are quite honest with their readers as evidenced by the fact that they devote a roughly equal amount of time to discussing each mode’s disadvantages as they do to discussing its advantages. As a psychology major who volunteers as a research assistant in the Zimmerman Clinical Neuropsychology Lab, I appreciate this honesty. While conducting studies, researchers and research assistants often try to determine the ‘best’ mode for administering a particular survey. Carr et al implies that there is never a ‘best’ mode of administration for a survey, but does acknowledge that some surveys may be better suited to a particular mode of administration or “mixed-mode approaches” (Carr et al, 2018,

p.213). For example, in the Zimmerman Lab we study the relationship between the amount of time spent sleeping and anxiety levels. In order to do so, the researchers use two modes of survey administration: face-to- face interviews and web-based surveys. By using a mixed-mode approach, the researchers are able to achieve a high response rate while reducing costs. Authors of this reading make it clear that the presence of bias within survey methods is unavoidable, but that those involved in the creation and administration of surveys must make themselves aware of these biases and do their best to minimize them to the greatest extent possible....