Introduction to Survey Methodology
June 9-13, 2025
9:00am-12:00pm EDT
Live Online via Zoom

Introduction to Survey Methodology, a noncredit course, covers the basic principles of survey design and methods and introduces the necessary components of a good quality survey. The course employs the Total Survey Error framework to discuss sampling frames and designs, modes of data collection and their effects on survey errors, the cognitive processes involved in answering survey questions and their impact on questionnaire design, pretesting methods and post-data collection processing. The goal of the course is to give an introduction to the skills and resources needed to design and conduct a survey.

The Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques provides rigorous and high quality graduate level training in all phases of survey research. The noncredit courses are open to all. The courses are live online via Zoom. Registration and payment are required. Course fees are based on the total number of hours assigned to each course, the hours are listed on the course description. The 2025 schedule lists additional courses. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please use the online contact form or email the Summer Institute at isr-summer@umich.edu .

The program teaches state-of-the-art practice and theory in the design, implementation, and analysis of surveys. The Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques has presented courses on the sample survey since the summer of 1948, and has offered such courses every summer since. The Summer Institute uses the sample survey as the basic instrument for the scientific measurement of human activity. It presents sample survey methods in courses designed to meet the educational needs of those specializing in social and behavioral research such as professionals in business, public health, natural resources, law, medicine, nursing, social work, and many other domains of study.