Total Survey Design

Sep 09 2024
Total Survey Design Podcast artwork

Total Survey Design is a podcast for explaining the complexities of survey design. This podcast serves a diverse audience, including small business owners, nonprofits, industry professionals, academics, and students. Each season features 10 to 20 concise episodes, each lasting 5 to 20 minutes, covering topics from survey utility to sample sizes, and question design to total survey error. Episode content includes insightful discussions, expert interviews, and special event coverage to enhance your survey skills and understanding.

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Essential Considerations When Creating a Survey

Sep 09 2024 12 mins  
In this episode, we explore essential considerations for crafting effective surveys. We begin by emphasizing the importance of defining the purpose of your survey, which serves as a guide through each step of its creation. We discuss how understanding your main goal—whether it's measuring customer satisfaction or academic variables—shapes your questions and improves data qualit

The Target Population

Sep 02 2024 7 mins  
In this episode, we discuss the target population. We emphasize the importance of a well-defined target population, in context of the goal of your survey, and in relation to your sampling frame. We offer examples of target populations of various studies, and offer suggestions for the types of variables that you may want to consider when thinking about your target population. Find u

An Interview with James McCall, Survey Methodologist

Aug 26 2024 28 mins  
In this episode, we interview James McCall, a survey methodologist at Westat. James shares what first drew him to surveys, and what drove him into a career of surveys. We talk about his role as a survey methodologist in industry. We discuss cognitive testing, data scripts, and other elements of the art and science of survey design. We also discuss our pet-peeves, such as matrix que

Design Elements - Progress Bars, Back Buttons, Forced Responses, and More!

Aug 19 2024 27 mins  
In this episode, we explore the key design elements of effective surveys, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly experiences and reliable data collection. But first, in our free talk segment we discuss the compensation structure of the YouGov platform.Then, we highlight practical tips like strategic question ordering, clear language use, and consistent visual design. Additiona

A Conversation About the Trust and Distrust of Surveys

Aug 12 2024 21 mins  
In this episode, we introduce a new free talk segment, where we discuss and celebrate Seon Yup's new job as chief survey methodologist at Kansas State University. We then explore why many people distrust surveys and some things we can do to regain their trust. We discuss key issues like sensitive topics, the impact of interviewer identity, and the prevalence of poorly designed surv

The Costs of Conducting Surveys - Part 1

Aug 03 2024 17 mins  
In this episode, we explore the costs associated with conducting surveys. We start by debunking the common misconception that surveys are free, highlighting the significant expenses involved in various survey methods—from internet to mixed-mode surveys which are needed to collect useful data. We explore the astronomical costs of large-scale efforts like the U.S. Census, which can

Sample Design - Part 2. The Sampling Frame

Jul 22 2024 19 mins  
In our second episode focusing on sample design, we dive into the intricacies of creating a sampling frame. We explain what a sampling frame is and why it's crucial for ensuring your survey reaches the right target population. We discuss the four key elements of an ideal sampling frame: comprehensiveness, accuracy, specificity, and accessibility. Additionally, we highlight real-wor

Writing Good Survey Questions - Part 2. Response Options

Jul 15 2024 9 mins  
This episode is the second in a series of writing good survey questions, where we dive deep into the intricacies of response options for survey questions, a crucial component often overlooked in survey design. We explore the significance of well-constructed response options in enhancing data quality and the pitfalls of poorly designed ones that can lead to confusion. Our focus will

Writing Good Survey Questions - Part 1. Base Questions

Jul 08 2024 11 mins  
In this episode, we delve into the art of crafting effective survey questions. We discuss the importance of clear and precise wording, avoiding biases, and the impact of question formats on data quality. Learn practical tips for designing questions that yield accurate and meaningful data, whether for academic research, market analysis, or feedback collection. Join us as we explore

The Total Survey Design Method - Reducing Costs, Increasing Benefits, and How to Get the Best Data!

Jun 28 2024 10 mins  
In this episode, we explore the Total Survey Design Method to maximize data quality. Discover how reducing errors, rooted in social exchange theory, can enhance your survey's effectiveness. We'll delve into the three key factors—cost, benefit, and trust—discussing strategies to minimize respondent burden, highlight benefits, and establish trust. Learn practical tips on simplify