Steps in Conducting Survey Research

Step five

Choose an appropriate survey method.

Step Six

Construct directions. Make sure they are clear to avoid ambiguity.

Step One

Define the purpose, objectives and research questions.

Step four

Determine sample size.

Step seven

Develop a letter/message of transmittal that addresses: the credibility of the researcher and sponsoring institution, purpose of the study, benefits of the study for all involved, importance of high response rate, protections to anonymity and confidentiality, time limit for responding, request for cooperation and honesty, opportunity for respondents to receive results.

Step eight

Pilot test the survey.

Step three

Select the sampling procedure.This is the specific method, whether random or non random, depends on the characteristics of the sample.

Step nine

Analyze nonrespondents to determine whether they arre different from the respondents in their demographic characteristics.

Step two

Identify the target population and sampling frame.