Surveys for program evaluation, performance measurement, or
needs assessment can provide excellent information for evaluators. However, designing effective surveys requires an eye both to unbiased
question design as well as the best methods for data administration. Neglecting
these two aspects impacts the success of the survey.
This eStudy course will use lecture and homework
assignments to review guidelines for survey development. We will use two
national surveys, one used for measuring the performance of local governments
and the other to assess the needs of older adults, to inform the creation of
our own survey instruments.
Participants will be able to:
- List the pros and cons of the various survey methods
- Understand the different forms of bias to avoid in sample design and survey construction.
- Utilize survey methods that will increase response rates and sample representation
- Design questionnaires that are reliable and valid