INTRODUCTION TO SURVEY METHODS FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Introduction to principles and basic techniques in surveys for social research. Specific topics include the basic concepts of sampling and survey measurement. Learn how survey researchers apply the methods presented and practice applying the concepts and methods learned. The techniques used in this class are relevant for many kinds of data collection and standardized measurement. Provides a substantial experience with practical research skills that are relevant in many academic and private sector contexts.
Topics
- the basic concepts of sampling and survey measurement
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Sophomore standing and ( C&E SOC/SOC 357 , 360 , STAT 301 , 371 , ECON 310 , PSYCH 210 , or MATH/STAT 310 ) Course Designation: Core GenEd - Social & Behavioral Science Breadth - Social Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2025 Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify basic sampling concepts and apply them when drawing and documenting a sample. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Describe basic concepts of error in surveys, total survey error, variable errors and bias. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Analyze the components of experiments with a variety of outcomes and designs relevant to survey methodology. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Apply fundamental methods for question testing. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Apply principles of question design in developing survey questions. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Analyze split-ballot experiment, contextualize analysis with well-focused review of relevant literature, accurately describe results, and draw appropriate conclusions. Audience: Undergraduate 7. Document work in professionally written reports. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify basic sampling concepts and apply them when drawing and documenting a sample. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Describe basic concepts of error in surveys, total survey error, variable errors and bias. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Analyze the components of experiments with a variety of outcomes and designs relevant to survey methodology. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Apply fundamental methods for question testing. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Apply principles of question design in developing survey questions. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Analyze split-ballot experiment, contextualize analysis with well-focused review of relevant literature, accurately describe results, and draw appropriate conclusions. Audience: Undergraduate 7. Document work in professionally written reports. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027