SURVEY RESEARCH STAGES
Survey research is a process that can be divided into the following three stages. The goal of survey design is to construct
surveys that are user friendly, well designed, and ask the right questions. This systematic collection of data is able to drive
analysis towards reliability and validity.
To assist with the survey planning process, for each process stage, time periods are suggested, and process characteristics are
described.
Process Stages
1. Planning and designing a
survey
Time Frame
2-4 weeks
Process
Characteristics
The Research Planning Guide is
available as a guide for the planning
and designing of a survey. The time
frame for this stage can be 2-4
weeks. In this stage:
1. Define the purpose of the
survey
2. Identify Methodology
(quantitative, qualitative) to
support purpose and:

Identify population and
sample size

Select method of data
collection

Determine how the results
will be used

Develop a timeline
3. Determine budget allocation
4. Develop and design the
questionnaire
5. Pilot the questionnaire
2. Data Collection
2-8 weeks
Data collection may potentially
occur over a 2 to 8 week time
frame. Design a process that:
1. Gathers data to support the
purpose and methodology:

Descriptive data (e.g.
frequencies, percentages,
mode, median, mean,
standard deviation)

Inferential statistics (e.g.
regression analysis
showing which predictors
are important and will
weigh the predictors by
level of importance)

Qualitative data
(interviews, focus groups,
open ended response
surveys)

2. Invites participation and
follows up non participants
Note: A example of a survey
process, including design and data
collection, is described in section
Survey Resource.
3. Reporting of results
4 – 8 weeks
The reporting of results shares
information, develops reflections
and goals for future action.
Consider preparing:
1. A customized report for
formal university projects,
including survey purpose,
methodology, survey results,
survey findings.
2. A time to review the report
and including responses,
reflections, and actions.
3. A summary report for posting
on the Assessment Website.
4. A presentation to share the
process and product at the
Assessment Symposium.