CEE 2202 Construction Scheduling

Survey is a modern tool to capture the opinion of different individuals and arrives on a conclusion that takes into account different perceptions and experiences of a group of selected individuals on a specific topic. There are different types and instruments for constructing a survey, and this report selects a particular survey type and evaluates the instruments associated with the particular type

Introduction:

Survey is a step by step observation and study methodology that includes sampling of variable units followed by data collection and data analysis to generate results. The construction of surveys depends on the efficacy of survey instruments and their association with the survey objectives. Survey instruments can be of different types, few popular ones can be questionnaires, interviews or online surveys (Sinkowitz-Cochran, 2013). This report attempts to demonstrate the basics of survey construction and evaluate the details of three survey instruments, questions, interviewer and tape recorder.

Importance of Survey Objectives: 

The survey objectives are the most vital part of the survey constructions and without a clear and well articulated set of objectives that define and validate the purpose of the survey (Sinkowitz-Cochran, 2013). A few common characteristics of ideal survey objectives include:

• The survey objectives should be clear and to the point
• It should include the reason behind the survey construction
• It should cover the expected outcome of the survey.
• The set of objectives should be specific to the nature of the survey.
• And lastly the objectives must bridge the gap between the variables of the survey (Fink, 2002).

Survey Types: 

There are a variety of types of the surveys that are abundantly used in survey construction. It can be dependent of the place of survey; it can be in constrained environment or can be in a public place. On the other hand the type can be completely independent of the venue and can be constructed virtually through internet (Clark & Creswell, 2014). The internet mediated survey techniques include web surveys, through emails or through telephone. Other fairly popular survey technique is the mixed mode and which provides more than one data collection method. For this assignment I choose in person survey technique as it provides accurate screening and specific and focussed questions and the data collected is more diverse and genuine (Fink, 2002).

Instrument development: 

For an in-person survey the instrument development is a crucial step, the instruments need to be cost effective along with being specific to the survey topic. The three instruments that I have chosen are questionnaire, interviewer and a tape recorder. These are the most basic instruments used in surveys and are the most effective in data collection method. In development of these instruments the first step is the questionnaire, the question needs to be to the point and precise and should engage the interviewee (Fink, 2002). The next step is to select a interviewer that with excellent communication and persuasion skills, who can easily engage people in conservation and have a great deal of perseverance. However, lastly a tape recorder to record the interview process which will facilitate an accurate documentation and will help in data collection and assessment.

Strategies to increase response rate:

A restriction to a successful survey construction would be the aversion of the general public to the interview process (Glasser & Strauss, 2010). A large proportion of people do not actively participate in the survey and even if they do, their responses are not up to the mark. A few strategies can be incorporated to increase the participation and response rate like constructing more relatable questions, well mannered and persuasive interviewer or passionate explanation of the survey topic to persuade the participants to engage in the survey topic (Fink, 2002).

Conclusion: 

On a concluding note, there are various techniques to survey construction but the most basic but most effective technique to survey remains the in-person technique. this technique not only is much more accurate and detailed, in-person interview technique to survey brings the genuine essence of different emotions and perception of different individuals which will undoubtedly generate more diverse data for the survey.

References

Clark, V. L. P., & Creswell, J. W. (2014). Understanding research: A consumer's guide. Pearson Higher Ed.

Fink, A. (2002). The survey handbook (Vol. 1). Sage.

Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (2010). Grounded theory: strategien qualitativer forschung. Huber.

Sinkowitz-Cochran, R. L. (2013). Survey design: To ask or not to ask? That is the question…. Clinical infectious diseases, cit005.