Module overview
Students taking this module will gain first-hand experience in the design and implementation of surveys and how to investigate and explore issues with data quality from these 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 for them using design principles.
- Construct survey questionnaires according to best practice and drawing on the relevant survey methodology literature.
- Identify, describe and evaluate a range of sampling designs including in-depth understanding of non-probability based surveys
- Obtain practical understanding of how to handle missing data in surveys used for the analysis.
- Demonstrate awareness of the key principles and practices of survey design and implementation
Syllabus
The following topics will be covered in the module:
- Main principles of survey data collection
- Survey modes
- Sampling
- Non-probability based surveys
- Survey non-response
- Missing data
- Questionnaire design
- Paradata
- Responsive and Adaptive Survey Designs
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be delivered using a combination of 20 lectures and 4 seminars. To get the most out of these sessions, students are expected to make use of the recommended reading for each lecture/seminar. Students are also expected to undertake self-directed learning, supported by module materials.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Seminar | 4 |
| Total study time | 150 |
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.
de Leeuw, E.D., Hox, J. & Dillman, D. (Eds.) (2008). The International Handbook of Survey Methodology. New York/London: Erlbaum/Taylor & Francis.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 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 | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External