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Survey Research Methods

Fifth Edition


September 2013 | 184 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The Fifth Edition of Floyd J. Fowler Jr.’s bestselling Survey Research Methods presents the very latest methodological knowledge on surveys. Offering a sound basis for evaluating how each aspect of a survey can affect its precision, accuracy, and credibility, the book guides readers through each step of the survey research process. This fully updated edition addresses the growth of the Internet for data collection and the subsequent rapid expansion of online survey usage, the precipitous drop in response rates for telephone surveys, the continued improvement in techniques for pre-survey evaluation of questions, and the growing role of individual cell phones in addition to—and often instead of—household landlines. Throughout the book, the author puts the profound changes taking place in the survey research world today into perspective, helping researchers learn how to best use new and traditional options for collecting data.


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1. Introduction
 
2. Types of Error in Surveys
 
3. Sampling
 
4. Nonresponse: Implementing a Sample Design
 
5. Methods of Data Collection
 
6. Designing Questions to Be Good Measures
 
7. Evaluating Survey Questions and Instruments
 
8. Survey Interviewing
 
9. Preparing Survey Data for Analysis
 
10. Analyzing Survey Data
 
11. Ethical Issues in Survey Research
 
12. Providing Information about Survey Methods
 
13. Survey Error in Perspective

“The text is clear, logical and straightforward. It provides extensive applied information, coupled with a good understanding of the rationale underlying survey construction.”

Joseph Kush
Duquesne University–Pittsburgh

“[The book] is accessible enough for the masters students but theoretical enough for the doctoral students.” 

Claudette Peterson
North Dakota State University–Fargo

“Even students with very little background in research methods can follow this text easily.”

Candan Duran-Aydintug
University Of Colorado–Denver

“The greatest strength [of this book] is the articulation of the concept of total survey design and how the different components affect the credibility of the survey.”

Gilbert Jacobs
Mercyhurst College–Erie

GREAT book for my students and me!!

Dr Elise Øby
Curriculum, Østfold University College
March 14, 2020

Concise information on developing surveys for DNP projects.

Lorena Guerrero
School Of Nursing, Pacific Lutheran University
January 28, 2020

Have used the book for 4 years and the graduate students do like it. Easy to read, short chapters that allow the professor to decide the topics requiring elaboration.
Thank you

Professor Kimberley Garth-James
Business Administration Dept, Notre Dame De Namur University
February 19, 2018

This book, despite having a total of 171 pages, is rich with so much details on survey research and survey research methods. The simplistic approach in laying out what many new research students consider complicated terms and topics, is a big plus in this book. Dr. Fowler covered what I truly consider a comprehensive list of areas needed to be covered for the students embarking on survey research for the first time. I, as an MA tutor and adviser will always refer students needing information on survey research methods to this book. One of the best characteristics of this book is having very concise sections for every concept needed in survey research methods.

Mr Hussam Rajab
English Language Institute, King Abdulaziz University
May 11, 2016

Was a good resource for DBA students conducting research.

Dr Mike Guerra
Business Admin Economics Prog, Lincoln University
January 27, 2016

In a concrete way, this book provides a good overview of the essentials of survey research. It offers good discussions on sampling, implementing a sample design, questionnaire construction, interviewing (and training interviewers), data analysis, and so on.

Mrs Maartje De Graaf
Media, Communication & Organisation, Twente University
February 23, 2015
Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

  • Coverage of the latest developments in the field helps readers understand how to best use new and changing technology, including the Internet, smartphones, and interactive voice response systems (IVRs), singly or in combination, to collect high quality data.
  • New studies and publications from the past five years are integrated throughout the text.
  • Updated survey examples offer students and researchers exemplary models.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Compact, yet comprehensive coverage of survey research makes this book an ideal companion or beginning text.
  • Error in surveys is described using a clear and accessible approach.
  • A list of strengths and weaknesses for each of the different types of survey data collection, including the more recent Web-based approaches, is included.
  • Coverage of the expansion of cell phone use is included.
  • Up-to-date coverage of Web-based and online surveys, as well as the latest resources available to the beginning and expert researcher, prepares readers for practice.
  • In-depth discussions of non-response and sample size issues are included.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 2

Chapter 3


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781483323596

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