Introduction To
Survey Methods
Prof. Dr. John T. Arokiasamy
Department of Community Medicine
International Medical University
(Source: Dr Tan Kok Leong)
What Is Research?
A planned systematic search for information
for the purpose of increasing knowledge
which will be the basis for action (short & long
term)
that increases understanding of human health and
disease
It involves looking for information that is not
available.
The Steps
Identify problem to be studied
Set objectives
Decide on population and sampling
Identify variables
Develop study instrument/questionnaire and
pretest
Collect data
Data processing, analysis and interpretation
Report
Respondents
A representative
sample of people.
Gathering Information Using Surveys
Quick
Inexpensive
Efficient
Accurate (if the sample truly represents the
population)
Flexible
Major Problems
Poor Design
Improper Execution
Tree Diagram of Total Survey Error
Total Survey Error
Random Sampling Error Systematic Error (Bias)
Administrative Error Respondent Error
Data Processing Error Non-Response Error Response Bias
Sample Selection Error
Interviewer Error Deliberate Unconscious
Falsification Misrepresentative
Interviewer Cheating
Survey Errors
Random Sampling Error
A statistical fluctuation that occurs because of
change variation in the elements selected from
the sample.
Systematic Error
Results from some imperfect aspect of the
research design or from a mistake in the
execution of the research.
Survey Errors (cont1)
Respondent Error
A classification of sample bias resulting from some
respondent action or inaction.
Non–Response Error
People who refuse to cooperate.
Not at home.
Response Bias
A bias that occurs when respondents tend to answer
questions that consciously or unconsciously misrepresents
the truth (i.e providing socially desirable responses).
Survey Errors (cont2)
Administrative Error
Improper administration of the research task.
Due to:
Confusion
Neglect
Omission
Survey Errors (cont3)
Administrative Error
Data Processing Error
Incorrect data entry, computer programming or other
procedural errors during analysis stage.
Sample Selection Error
Improper sample design or sampling procedure execution.
Interviewer Error
Field mistakes.
Interviewer Cheating
Interviewer filling in fake answers or falsifying interviewers.
Communicating With Respondents
Personal Interviews
Telephone Interviews
Self-Administered Questionnaires
Self-Administered Questionnaires
Self-Administered
Questionnaires
Paper Questionnaires Electronic Questionnaires
In-Person Internet
Mail Fax E-Mail Kiosk
Drop-Off Web Site
Questionnaire Design
1. What is a Questionnaire
2. Questionnaire Development Process
3. Question Type
4. Question Wording
5. Questionnaire Flow and Layout
What is a Questionnaire?
A set of questions designed to generate the
data necessary for achieving the objectives of
a research project.
Accuracy of data collected depends on whether
it is able to provide a two-way communication
Data
Researcher Respondent
Questionnaire Development Process
Understand the objectives of the research.
Create the Questions:
Decide on the questions.
Determine the question type.
Determine the answer format.
Decide on the question wording.
Determine the Question flow and layout.
Evaluate the Question.
Pretest and revise.
Prepare the final copy.
Question Type
Open-Ended Question
Responses/ answers:
No limit/ many types.
Unstructured.
Example:
What are the common health
problems that you experience
during cold weather?
Closed-Ended Question
Responses/ answers:
Acceptable alternatives provided.
Structured.
Closed-Ended Questions
(Dichotomous Questions)
Example:
Do you suffer from flu during cold weather?
1 Yes
2 No
Closed-Ended Questions
(Multiple Choice Questions)
Example:
How often do you get flu in six months?
Once
Twice
Three or more times
Closed-Ended Questions
(Ranking Questions)
Example:
Please rank your favourite food by putting 1 next to your
most favourite and 5 for your least favourite.
Fried Rice
Curry Chicken
Curry Beef
Boiled Chicken
Fried Noodles
Closed-Ended Questions
(Scaled-Response Questions)
Likert Scale
Example:
All adolescence should be literate on safe sex.
strongly agree undecided disagree strongly
agree disagree
Closed-Ended Questions
(Scaled-Response Questions)
Example:
Please indicate the degree of pain?
No Pain 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Very Painful
Question Wording
Question Wording
Choose words so that questions are:
Clear.
Understandable.
Precise.
Vague Responses AVOID
Example:
How frequently do you do physical exercise?
Never Never
Rarely Once a month
Sometimes Once a week
Often 2-6 times a week
Very often Everyday
Vague Clear
Hypothetical Questions AVOID
Example:
How would you rate the effectiveness of Aspirin in treating
migraine?
Not Effective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Effective
Complex Questions AVOID
Example:
What are the various symptoms that you experience during
cold weather?
Leading Questions AVOID
Example:
Do you agree that smoking is bad for health?
Yes
No
Assumption Questions AVOID
Example:
What medicine do you normally consume during cold
weather to avoid flu?
Ambiguous Questions AVOID
Example:
Use the following scale to rate your ability.
1 2 3 4 5
Double Barreled Questions AVOID
Example
Do you always see your doctor and follow his/ her
prescription?
Yes
No
Evaluating the Questionnaire
(A) Flow and Lay out
Arrange the questions in order.
Provide clear and understandable instructions.
Space out the questions.
Provide space for answering open-ended
questions.
Evaluating the Questionnaire (cont)
(B) Appropriateness
Is each question necessary?
Is each question as specific as possible?
Can each question be understood by all respondents?
Are the questions applicable to all respondents?
Will the questions provide the information to accomplish the
research questions?
Are there too many questions?
Is the questionnaire easy to follow with clear instructions?
Is the questionnaire easy to answer?
Is the questionnaire free of typo error?
Breastfeeding Practices and Protective
Effect of Children Against Infections
A. Socioeconomic Profiles
1. Registration Number: _ _ _ _ _ _
2. Age: _____________
3. Ethnic Group: ___________
4. Birth order: ______
5. Household income? ____________
Breastfeeding Practices and Protective Effect
of Children Against Infections
6. Mother’s and Father’s education level?
Primary
Secondary
7. Number of Family Members
<3 persons
3 – 5 persons
5 – 10 persons
10 > persons
8. Source of water supply for household use
Pipe water
Others
Breastfeeding Practices and Protective Effect
of Children Against Infections
9. Type of feeding practices
Breastfeeding only
Mainly Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding + Formula Milk
Non-Breastfeeding Go To Q 12
10. Duration of ever breastfed: _________
11. Frequency of diarrhoea episodes?
Yes
None
The Research Process
Planning
Collecting data
Processing data
Analysing and Interpreting data
Writing a report
Thank You
Have fun designing your questionnaire
and conducting the household survey.
