Writing Questions For Surveys
Jennifer (Jen) Dykema

June 24-28, 2024
M-F (1:00pm-4:00pm)

Classes are open for registration. You do not have to be affiliated with the University in order to attend.

The mission of the Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques (SISRT) is to provide rigorous and high quality graduate training in all phases of survey research. The program teaches state-of-the art practice and theory in the design, implementation, and analysis of surveys.

Space is limited so please register early! Since our courses are not for academic credit, fees are based on the number of assigned “course hours” to each class.

Please view the 2024 course schedule for our extensive class offerings. Classes are offered remotely at their scheduled times.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
• Introduce a structural analysis of parts of a survey question
• Introduce cognitive interviewing as a method for testing survey questions
• Describe guidelines for diagnosing problems in survey questions and writing new survey questions
• Focus on the structure and wording of survey questions, whether for interviewer-administered or self- administered instruments
• Provide an opportunity to apply the guidelines and principles during in-class exercises
• Focus on improving individual questions and sets of questions.
• Summarize research that underlies key decisions in writing survey questions.

DESCRIPTION
This workshop distills research about survey questions to principles that can be applied to write survey questions that are clear and obtain reliable answers. The workshop provides students with tools to use in diagnosing problems in survey questions and in writing their own survey questions. Sessions combine lecture with group exercises and discussion. The lecture provides guidelines for writing and revising survey questions and illustrates how to revise troubled questions. Assignments require that students analyze problematic questions, revise them, and administer them to fellow students. Sessions consider both questions about events and behaviors and questions about subjective phenomena (such as attitudes, evaluations, and internal
states).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Individuals who will be writing or reviewing survey questions or survey instruments or analyzing survey data. This course gives practical guidance to those who have written survey questions but who are not familiar with research on question design, those who are just beginning to design survey instruments, and those who use survey data but do not themselves design survey instruments.