Survey Research Methods

Applied Social Research Methods #1

by Floyd J. Fowler Jr.

Author Floyd Fowler provides students and researchers who want to collect, analyze, or read about survey data with a sound basis for evaluating how each aspect of a survey can affect its precision, accuracy, and credibility. The Fourth Edition has been updated in four primary it much more prominently addresses the growth of the Internet for data collection and the subsequent rapid expansion of online survey usage; it addresses the precipitous drop in response rates for telephone surveys, particularly those based on random-digit dialing; it offers new and expanded coverage monitoring the continued improvement in techniques for presurvey evaluation of questions; and it addresses the growing role of individual cell phone in addition--and often instead of--household landlines.

Genres: Research, Research Methods, Nonfiction, Reference, Sociology, Urban Planning, Science

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Rebecca]

This book is one of those that is ONLY going to be useful to those looking for a particular skillset, but are really only interested in the basics. It provides a basic run-down of what is recommended to create and conduct surveying research. It is not particular to any specific field of study. All-in-all it was short, sweet, and to the point.

[Dea Sofie]

This book (I read the 4th edition, but found no GoodReads page for it) is fine as a reference in research, but very outdated for how survey research is conducted today. It lacks a lot of consideration for computer based or online surveys.

[Christina]

The book focuses a lot more on interview-based surveys. While the basic information can translate to online survey (the growing norm, now), I think a more detailed update would be great.

[Steven Peterson]

One of the best handbooks on survey research methods. . . . I have used this as a text. I have also used it for advice when I have constructed survey instruments and supervised the interview process. Lucidly written. There are good discussions of sampling, implementing a sample design, questionnaire construction, interviewing (and training interviewers), data analysis, and so on.

A fine resource. . . .

[Michelle]

Good reference for survey research, especially as regards design and avoiding pitfalls that produce bad data. The sampling chapters are particularly thoughtful, but a bit theoretical for me at this point. I'll revisit when I am designing my own research.

[Seth Pierce]

This is a great introduction to statistics for quantitative research. My only complaint comes early in the text during chapter three when the authors go into "math mode" and don't explain, or illustrate, the terms or concepts as concretely as they do elsewhere.

[Stephen]

READ JAN 2009

Good overview of the survey process for research projects. Applies to academic as well as rigorous business studies.

[Katie]

This is a good one. I can't say I enjoyed it, but it was informative :)

[morbidflight]

Damn good overview of the essentials of survey research. Tiny book, too. Still reading it (current semester), but I know it's good.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S.]

Very helpful.

[Erin]

Very helpful text for understanding the fundamentals of creating surveys for research.

[Leanna Aker]

Good summary of things to consider in designing and conducting interviews and surveys.

[Tuvshinzaya]

Life saver