This new edition of the best-selling Survey Research Methods aims to give those who collect, analyze or read about survey data a sound basis for evaluating data collection procedures. With an emphasis on the importance of minimizing nonsampling errors through good question design, good quality interviewing and high response rates, this book will help readers understand the relationship of the details of data collection to figures and statistics based on the survey. Presenting the most up-to-date methodological knowledge on survey research, the new edition the role of microcomputers in data collection and data entry procedures; the latest research findings on the training and supervision of interviewers; and significant developments in question design and evaluation.
This book is one of those that is ONLY going to be useful to those looking for a particular skillset, but are really only interested in the basics. It provides a basic run-down of what is recommended to create and conduct surveying research. It is not particular to any specific field of study. All-in-all it was short, sweet, and to the point.
This book (I read the 4th edition, but found no GoodReads page for it) is fine as a reference in research, but very outdated for how survey research is conducted today. It lacks a lot of consideration for computer based or online surveys.
The book focuses a lot more on interview-based surveys. While the basic information can translate to online survey (the growing norm, now), I think a more detailed update would be great.
One of the best handbooks on survey research methods. . . . I have used this as a text. I have also used it for advice when I have constructed survey instruments and supervised the interview process. Lucidly written. There are good discussions of sampling, implementing a sample design, questionnaire construction, interviewing (and training interviewers), data analysis, and so on.
Good reference for survey research, especially as regards design and avoiding pitfalls that produce bad data. The sampling chapters are particularly thoughtful, but a bit theoretical for me at this point. I'll revisit when I am designing my own research.
This is a great introduction to statistics for quantitative research. My only complaint comes early in the text during chapter three when the authors go into "math mode" and don't explain, or illustrate, the terms or concepts as concretely as they do elsewhere.