Improving Survey Methods : Lessons from Recent Research

This book reviews the latest statistical and methodological research on survey research techniques to help improve the reliability of survey generated data. The various methods studied are reviewed along with the resulting empirical evidence and insights gained from the results. The evidence is based on field- or quasi-experimental research, observational or simulation studies or a combination thereof. The book examines: survey modes and response effects, interviewers and survey error, asking sensitive questions, conducting web surveys and access panels, coping with non-response, and handling missing data. This book is ideal for students or professionals who employ survey research methods.

This state-of-the-art volume provides insight into the recent developments in survey research. It covers topics like: survey modes and response effects, bio indicators and paradata, interviewer and survey error, mixed-mode panels, sensitive questions, conducting web surveys and access panels, coping with non-response, and handling missing data.　The authors are leading scientists in the field, and discuss the latest methods and challenges with respect to these topics.

Each of the book’s eight parts starts with a brief chapter that provides an historical context along with an overview of today’s most critical survey methods. Chapters in the sections focus on research applications in practice and discuss results from field studies. As such, the book will help researchers design surveys according to today’s best practices.　

The book’s website www.survey-methodology.de provides additional information, statistical analyses, tables and figures.　

An indispensable reference for practicing researchers and methodologists or any professional who uses surveys in their work, this book also serves as a supplement for graduate or upper level-undergraduate courses on survey methods taught in psychology, sociology, education, economics, and business. Although the book focuses on European findings, all of the research is discussed with reference to the entire survey-methodology area, including the US. As such, the insights in this book will apply to surveys conducted around the world.