Foundations 8200
Survey Research Methods
Meeting Time: 4
PM – 6:50 PM Tuesdays
Instructor: Margaret E. Ross
4018
(334) 844-3084
rossma1@auburn.edu (the first 1 = one)
Office
Hours: 11 AM to 12 Noon
Wednesdays
3 PM to
4 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays
or by appointment
Course Description
Overview of survey research,
sampling, survey format, scaling, item construction, validity and reliability,
ethical issues, and data analysis.
Course Objectives
Students will:
1. Plan survey research
2. Define constructs and/or survey content
3. Write appropriate survey items
4. Discuss
advantages and disadvantages of measurement scales
5. Develop appropriate survey scales
6. Understand and interpret results of validity and reliability
procedures
7. Conduct statistical analyses to establish validity and
reliability
8. Prepare IRB for survey research
9. Prepare survey and cover letter for mailing
10. Recognize aspects of measurement instruments that help
increase response rates
11. Plan follow-up mailings
12. Determine
appropriate analyses of survey results
13. Prepare
a report describing the instrument development, instrument format, scaling,
scoring, sampling used, and the results of the survey research
Dillman, D. A. (2000) Mail and Internet Surveys: The
Tailored Design Method.
Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (any recent edition).
Student Assessment:
1.
Quizzes/in-class/homework projects and assignments
(you are required to be in class during in-class
assignment
completion unless otherwise indicated) 30%
2. Instrument with at least 12 items developed
by the researcher (YOU) 35%
3. Information/Consent form or Cover Letter 15%
4. Report on Instrument (Individual) 20%
· Absolutely NO make ups … You must be in class to earn in-class points (quizzes, in-class labs, or any individual or group assignment completed in class) and you must turn in assignments on time. No late assignments will be accepted.
·
Take-home
assignments turned in late incur a 2% reduction in points per day late
Weighted Grading
90
– 100% plus substantial contracted and graded outside project = A
80
– 100% = with no contracted outside project B
70
– 79% = C
60
– 69% = D
below
60% = F
Contracted Outside Project Ideas (need written
product)
·
Complete/begin
group survey research project for conference presentation or journal submission.
·
Work with
professor on survey research project.
·
Special topics groups
with information sheets for class, report, or presentation with power point.
(also see below)
·
Other suggestions
can be discussed.
Proposed contracts must be presented to
me in writing by third class session.
Special Topics Groups
Individual Project Ideas (for all
students)
Methodologist
for 7200 group with survey research project.
Dissertation
instrument
Research
project for publication or presentation
Individual Report Guidelines
(Information Letter/Consent Form and
Instrument are to be attached)
Introduction that includes: (1 page only)
1. statement of purpose of the study
2. background information (list constructs based
on theory, assumptions, program
goals)
3.
Research questions or hypotheses
Methods section that includes participant, measures, and
procedures subsections (this should be substantial as it constitutes the
majority of the project grade)
Participants section should
include: (approximately ˝ page)
1. sampling methods
2. descriptive information related to the sample
Measures section should
include: (4 to 5 pages)
1. thorough description of instrument
development
2. thorough description of instrument (what is
included, how items grouped, etc.)
3. thorough
description of scale and how items are scored and meaning of scores per
item and per scale
4. how value(s)
are obtained for analysis
5. thorough
description of how validity and reliability of scores are established
Analyses used to answer research questions
·
Follow APA Writing
Style
·
Write in
manuscript form (prose not listing)
·
The report and
instrument must be typed
NOTES:
·
You will be
provided with my grading rubrics for evaluating the reports and instruments.
·
The report should
follow APA style.
·
Reports turned in late will be penalized 2% of
total earned points per day past deadline.
Incompletes and Withdrawals
Grades
associated with incomplete course work or withdrawal from class will be
assigned in strict conformity to University policy (see Auburn University Bulletin). If you wish to drop this course you may do so
by the 10th class day with no grade assignment. From the 10th class day to
mid-quarter a W (withdrawn-passing) grade will be recorded in your transcripts.
After this period withdrawal from the course will only be granted under unusual
circumstances and must be approved by the Dean of the
Academic Misconduct
The
Department of EFLT recognizes university policy regarding academic misconduct.
Violations include, but are not limited to: plagiarism, unauthorized assistance
during examinations, submitting another’s work product as your own, using
another’s words as your own without appropriate citation, sharing unauthorized
materials with another that contain questions or answers to examinations,
altering or attempting to alter assigned grades. In accordance with University
policy regarding academic misconduct, students may be subject to several
sanctions upon violations of the Student Academic Honesty Code. See the Tiger
Cub publication for the current year for specifics regarding academic
misconduct as well as student’s rights and responsibilities associated with the
Code.
Tentative Schedule
Week 1 - January 10
·
Introductions
·
Syllabus and
Overview
·
Class Project
(Present/Publish)
·
Peer Advisory
Groups
·
Reading
Assignment: "When a Survey Isn't Research"
Practical
Considerations for Conducting
Week 2 - January 17 - Quiz over Assigned
·
Reaction to
Reading Assignments
·
Background
Research to Define Survey Content
·
Literature
·
Theory
·
·
Program Goals
·
Interviews
·
Program Documents
·
Individual
Project Purpose Statement and Research Question (SURVEY NEEDED!)
·
Article in your
area of interest/field using Delphi Method summarized (typed summary due next
week)
Week 3 - January 24
·
Research
Question Due
·
Summary of
·
Experts
·
·
Reporting on
Theory and Delphi Articles (assignment)
·
What to Consider
in Designing the Survey (Overview Handout pp. 1 - 3)
·
Sampling
·
Types of Items
(open-ended vs. close-ended)
Week 4 – January 31
·
Application
(Overview Handout and Item Writing)
·
Item Writing – 5
items -
·
Introduction to
Scales
Week 5 - February 7
·
Scales Continued
·
Application -
Item Writing – 5 items
Week 6 – February 14
·
Scales Continued
·
Application –
Individual Project Item Writing (Overview Handout)
·
Format of Survey
(Overview Handout)
·
Validity and
Reliability Introduction
·
Reading
Assignment: Developing a Strong
Program of Construct Validation: A
Test Anxiety Example by Jeri Benson
Week 7 – February 21 - Quiz over Assigned
·
Discussion of
Assigned
Week 8 – February 28
·
Application of
Validity and Reliability Analyses (Computer Lab)
·
Begin writing
validity/reliability section of individual report
·
Assignment: Factors Affecting Response Rates to
Mailed Questionnaires:
Quantitative
Analysis of the Published Literature
by Heberlein & Baumgartner
Week 9 - March 7 - Completed IRB Due (with questions
you have about IRB)
Week 10 – March 14 – Quiz over Assigned
·
Preparation for
Mailing (Overview Handout)
·
Ethical Issues
·
Follow-up (return
rates)
·
Analysis and
Interpretation of Results
March 28 no class…Spring
Break
Week 12 - April 4
April 11 no class…AERA
Week 13 - April 18
Instruments and Reports Due (In LRC at computers)
Week 14 - April 25