View source for Survey As A Research Method

==The Process of survey research==
The Survey system comprises seven activities.<ref name=":3" />
# Setting objectives for information collection
# Designing the study
# Preparing a reliable and valid survey instrument
# Administering the survey
# Managing survey data
# Analyzing survey data 
# Reporting the results

==== Setting objectives for information collection  ====
It is very important to have a clear objective beforehand. The researcher should identify why he wants to conduct the survey. This step will guide in designing the data collection tool. Various authors consider this as the most important step of survey research. 

==== Study Design ====
A design is a way of arranging the environment in which a survey takes place. The environment consists of the individuals or groups of people, places, activities, or objects that are to be surveyed.<ref name=":3" /> Choosing an appropriate design for any research survey depends on various factors<ref name=":0">Dillman, D.A., Smyth, J.D. and Christian, L.M., 2014. ''Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: the tailored design method''. John Wiley & Sons.</ref>. In literature, there have been various classifications of research designs. Broadly speaking the survey research is a non-experimental design with descriptive nature<ref>Page P. Research designs in sports physical therapy. International journal of sports physical therapy. 2012 Oct;7(5):482.</ref>. Designing a study should always consider the sample of the study. Sample selection usually depends on target population size, its homogeneity and sampling media.  
* Sample size calculation depends on following  5 factors:  
''- Statistical power''

''- The ability of the researcher to access target population.'' 

''- The Degree of precision required ( to measure precision by the level of significance type 1 error or confidence interval)<nowiki>''</nowiki>''

''- The Degree of population stratification.'' 

''- Selection of analysis unit  <ref name=":1">Glasow, P.A., 2005. Fundamentals of survey research methodology. ''Retrieved January'', ''18'', p.2013.</ref><ref>Barlett, J.E., Kotrlik, J.W. and Higgins, C.C., 2001. Organizational research: Determining appropriate sample size in survey research. ''Information technology, learning, and performance journal'', ''19''(1), p.43.</ref>.''
==== Designing the Survey Instrument ====
While planning to design the survey instrument the researcher should look for existing questionnaires available. This will enhance the process of research as it will avoid wastage of time in designing a questionnaire which already exists. When researchers determine that they require unique information for their study, they must develop their own questionnaire. There are five basic steps to questionnaire development: drafting, expert review, first revision, pilot test, and final revision<ref name=":4" />. 

==== Administering the survey ====
There are different ways to adminster surveys ( face to face or telephone interview- mailed surveys using postal or electronic media)<ref name=":0" />.

==== Managing and Analyzing survey data ====
The survey data can be analyzed in multiple ways. The descriptive and inferential statistics can be used to analyze the data. The statistics or qualitative analysis used depends on the objective of the survey, what sort of information was intended to be gathered by the survey will guide the statistical measure to be used. 

==== Reporting the result ====
Fair and accurate reporting of survey results means staying within the boundaries set by the survey's design, sampling methods, data collection quality, and analysis. We can use lists, charts, and tables to display your data.<ref name=":3" />