The Survey

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that the downside of using surveys as a research technique is that the process depends on universal principles, which allow the questionnaires to be generalized, that can make the use of the survey relatively inflexible and that there is always uncertainty about the potential level of response. The author points out that one of the advantages of conducting research surveys is that they are not as costly as other research methods and can be executed through a number of media such as mail, e-mail or personalized visits. The paper explains that the survey or questionnaire is selected by the researcher, as diverse as psychologists and anthropologists, to fulfill both his or her theoretical and practical goals.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Different Categories of Surveys
Surveys in Written Format
Surveys Conducted through Email
Surveys Administered within Groups
Drop-off Surveys
Surveys Conducted Orally
Reliability and Validity of Surveys
Reliability
Equivalency Reliability
Stability Reliability
Internal Consistency
Inter-rater Reliability
Difficulties of Achieving Reliability
Validity
Content Validity
Construct Validity
Criterion Related Validity
Face Validity
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Content validity occurs when the initial aim of the research study is represented in the measurement of the overall results. All relative features and aspects have to be taken under consideration for the efficient attainment of aim as well as for its accurate measurement
A good example of this could be research done on the English language leaning of students. If the researcher only takes in the reading capability and factors that hinder reading capability then the content validity of that research would be inadequate because English language learning is not just about the reading skills but encompasses writing and vocabulary learning capabilities as well."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Angus, A. and Katona, G. (1953). The Sample Survey: A Technique for Social Science Research. In Newcomb, Theodore M. (Ed). Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences. The Dryden Press: New York.
• Barribeau, P. et al (2005). Survey Research. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University Department of English. Retrieved from http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/research/survey/.
• Bourque, L.B., Fielder, E.P., (2003) How to Conduct Self-Administered and Mail Surveys. Second Edition. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.
• Campbell, D. T. & Stanley, J.C. (1963). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Carmines, E. G. & Zeller, R.A. (1991). Reliability and validity assessment. Newbury Park: Sage Publications.

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