Survey Development

Joan T Mueller, DHA

Rasmussen College
Agenda
Parts of the Research Study
Goals and Objectives
Research Question
Population
Sampling Techniques
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Agenda
Survey Questions
Data Collection Tools
Data Collection Types
Data Analysis
Design Tips
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Parts of the Research Study
Title
Research Problem
Research Question / Hypothesis
Population and Sample
Study Questions
Data Collection Tools and Methods
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Parts of the Research Study
Data Analysis
Discussion of Data Results
Significance of the Study
Limitations and Assumptions
Conclusion
Suggestions for Further Research
Goals and Objectives
Why is this research important?
What does this research hope to achieve?
Is the research descriptive, exploratory,
explanatory, and/or experimental?
What is the specific problem?
Is it measurable, realistic, and time-limited if
quantitative?
Is holistic and inquiry-related if qualitative?
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Research Question
Identify Topic
Define Relationship to Quality Practices /
Satisfaction
Make it Clear as to Why This Question is
Important / Significant
Narrow Topic to 1 or 2 Questions
Consider Concepts of Who, What, When,
How
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Sample Research Questions
What factors contribute to the satisfaction of
patients who use electronic medical
records?
Have hospital medical error management
systems been effective in reducing the
number and/or significance of medical
errors?
How do diabetic patients who attend
nonprofit PHC clinics in NWO differ in
quality of care, as reflected in HbA1c
measurements, from those who attend for-
profit PHC clinics?
(Hines, 2009) (Hodford, 2007) (Bruyere, 2009)
Population
Who do you want to study and why?
Accessible, realistic, and non-biased sample
Accurate sample size that represents the
population
Quantitative – know confidence interval and
margin of error
Homogeneous – similar demographic
characteristics
Heterogeneous – dissimilar demographic
characteristics
Tailor sampling techniques to type of study
and topic
Sampling Techniques
 Non-Probability
Convenience
Purposeful
 Probability
Sample random
Stratified
Cluster
 Time
 Situation
 Event
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Data Collection Tools
Questionnaire
Interview
Mixed method
Survey Questions
Forced choice – closed response
Multiple choice
Likert-type scale
Rating scale
Agreement scale
Dichotomous choice – only two answers
Open-ended – free form response
Text
Numeric
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Data Collection Types
Personal – face-to-face
Telephone
Mail
E-mail
Internet
Computer-direct
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Data Analysis
Pick an appropriate statistical test instead of
an easy test
Consider consulting an expert
Use qualitative methods as indicated by the
question and design
Bring in theoretical constructs
Create visually appealing graphs, tables,
diagrams, and figures
Use a mixture of display options
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Design Tips
Use a beginning paragraph to explain
Goals and objectives
Confidentiality processes
Your credentials and contact information
Keep the survey short and simple
Allow choice of
Don’t know
Not Applicable
Decline to state
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Design Tips
Choose to group similar questions together
and vary scale to prevent habitation
Start with less intrusive and/or controversial
questions to avoid abrupt ending of the
survey
Randomize types of questions
Make sure that all available answers are
listed
Produce a visually attractive layout
Allow a free-form comment space
Reference
 Bruyere, M.. Relative efficacy and cost-effectiveness
of nonprofit and for-profit primary healthcare
clinics in Northwestern Ontario. D.H.A. dissertation,
University of Phoenix, United States -- Arizona.
Retrieved May 1, 2010, from Dissertations &
Theses @ University of Phoenix.(Publication No.
AAT 3376007).
 Hines, D.. A quantitative exploration of the
relationship between patient health and electronic
personal health records. D.H.A. dissertation,
University of Phoenix, United States -- Arizona.
Retrieved May 1, 2010, from Dissertations &
Theses @ University of Phoenix.(Publication No.
AAT 3375977)
 Hosford, S.. The impact of external interventions on
improving the quality of patient safety in
hospitals. D.M. dissertation, University of Phoenix,
United States -- Arizona. Retrieved May 1, 2010,
from Dissertations & Theses @ University of
Phoenix.(Publication No. AAT 3264267).