Steps to conduct survey

Steps to conduct survey

1. Define objectives 2. Assess resources 3. Decide methods 4. Design questionnaire (see Questionnaire design lecture) 5. Examine test results /Modify questionnaire 6. Prepare Sample (see Sampling lecture) 7. Train interviewers 8. Collect data 9. Processing data (see RIMS, Cspro lectures) 10. Analyze results (see SPSS lectures) 11. Present and report results 12. Action

Step 1: Define objectives of the survey

Why a survey is needed? Who are the stakeholders? What is the population? What issues are studied?

Step 2: Assess the resources

Internal resources
Budget Staff
Are staff qualified? Do staffs care about the project?

Available equipments and facilities Time line

Step 2: Assess the resources

External resources
If the internal resources are not available or qualified look for external resources There are many types of external resources could be mobilized. Some services are free of charge, some are not.

Step 3: Determine methods

There are three popular methods

(1) face to face interview, (2) interview via phone; (3) mail survey (by post). Other methods: using Internet, via email, etc.

Step 3: Determine methods

Select the most appropriate method:

Cost and accessibility are the two most important criteria to determine survey method. Besides, staffs skills, internal resources and time also could affect the determination of survey method.

The best method is the one that:

Have highest response rate with a specific objective Most convenient to the respondents Meet with the timeline (mail survey usually takes more time) Budgeted Appropriate with staffs capacity and other resources

Step 4: Design the questionnaire

Design the questions Open and closed questions Answer options Identify object to be measured? Structure of the questionnaire Reliability, reasonability and Ready to respond

Step 5: Pilot (pre-test)

Pre-test the questionnaire

Pilot is a method to assess the questions before conducting the mass survey. The pilot is expected to answer following questions:
The questions measure what is intended? The wording is understood by all and mean a similar thing to all? Instructions are easily understood/followed? Do the responses suggest all relevant issues have been covered? Any questions systematically/frequently missed etc Basically test for bugs

Finalize the questionnaire:

The questionnaire should be revised and finalized if:

The interviewer always read incorrectly the questions. The interviewee always request to make clear a question The interviewee always answer in a different and inappropriately option

Step 6: Sample preparation

Sample design Simple random sample Convenient sample Other sample design Sample population

Step 7: Training the enumerators

Some concepts

Requirements to a good enumerator?

What is a structure interview? Terms of the interview A good enumerator Interview methodology Sample list and record

Raise the questions as written Never suggest answer to the respondents Record the information shortly and correctly Complete the interview Able to explore the information even the respondents refuse to answer Maintain the trust from the respondents

Step 8: Collect the information

Face to face interview Over the phone Mail survey Tips to increase response rate
Provide clear objective of the survey and benefit of the respondents involved in the survey. Suggest to share the surveys result with the respondents. Train the enumerator carefully.

Step 9: Data processing

Coding Data entry Double check and other method to reduce bias during the data entry process

Steps 10, 11, 12

Step 10: Analysis

Using statistic analysis software

Step 11:
Interpret results Introduce the results Share the results

Step 12: Action