Survey data can be an effective way to gather data that informs instruction or programmatic decisions. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has released the new three-part Survey Methods for Educators guides. The guides provide clear information on how to develop and adapt surveys (part 1), select a sample of potential respondents and administer surveys (part 2), and analyze and report survey data (part 3).
Part 1 of this series, Collaborative Survey Development, outlines the following steps:
- Identify topics of interest
- Identify relevant, existing survey items
- Draft new survey items and adapt existing survey items
- Review draft survey items with stakeholders and content experts
- Refine the draft survey using cognitive interviewing
Part 2 of this series, Sampling Respondents and Survey Administration, outlines the following steps:
- Define the population
- Specify the sampling procedure
- Determine the sample size
- Select the sample
- Administer the survey
Part 3 of this series, Analysis and Reporting of Survey Data, outlines the following steps:
- Review the analysis plan
- Prepare and check data files
- Calculate response rates
- Calculate summary statistics
- Present the results in tables or figures
Download all three guides at: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/projects/project.asp?projectID=4482