Conducting+a+Survey

Your Research Project topic may lend itself to conducting a survey. Be very careful that a survey is going to provide you with useful information, since surveys can involve a lot of effort for very little value in terms of your research. This document is a good starting point for constructing a survey. Very detailed document from SACE Board about preparing a qualitative survey and what make a good question to elicit the exact information you are looking for. This document also goes through how to analyse your survey data once collected. The key to conducting an effective survey is to spend time planning the survey prior to creating it. Before spending time on this process, consult with your Research Project teacher about whether or not a survey will be an appropriate tool to help with your research. Surveys will not always benefit your overall research goals.   You will find more detailed information on 4 styles of questions suitable for a survey. ** Preparation ** The key to a successful survey is to be fully prepared. Ask yourself the following questions before going any further:

1. Do I have some understanding of the topic so that I can ask intelligent, searching questions? 2. What is it that I really want to know? 3. How much detail do I need? 4. How personal do I need to get? 5. Do I want statistical data so that I can graph my results? 6. How am I going to record the information I find out? 7. What style of survey am I going to conduct? 8. What ethical considerations do I need to make so that I do not offend people or invade thier privacy?

**Asking Questions** Asking 'open' questions will prompt your subject to provide answers that are more detailed. Use this question starter chart to help you:

You may like to investige the online survey tool at [|Google Docs.] This tool will let you embed a survey into social sites such as Facebook. You can also create free basic online surveys here.

Once you have conducted your survey you will need to ** evaluate ** your process and the effectiveness of the survey. Download this template and use it as a guide then add it into your Research Journal.