Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide (Jossey Bass Public Administration Series) [Hardcover]

Louis M. Rea (Author), Richard A. Parker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 4, 1997 | ISBN-10: 078790810X | ISBN-13: 978-0787908102 | Edition: Second Edition

Updated and expanded to include additional statistical techniques and a broader array of exercises, this second edition of Rea and Parker's foundational tool is a complete, practical guide to conducting sample survey research. In a comprehensive manner, it explains all major components of survey research including construction of the instrument, administration of the process, and analysis and reporting of results.

Building on the strength of the original book, the second edition:

? Provides a wealth of statistical analysis and techniques to create a complete guide to the survey research process

? Includes an expanded group of exercises and examples covering a broad base of subjects

? Discusses the emerging importance of focus groups in preparing survey questionnaires and in analyzing survey findings

Clear, concise, and accessible, this guide explains how to conduct a survey research project from start to finish. Further, it shows how this research method can be applied in such diverse fields as urban affairs, social science, and public administration. Designing and Conducting Survey Research is an excellent tool that will help both professionals and students understand and explain the validity of sample survey research.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Clear, thorough, well-written, and eminently practical. Takes you step-by-step through all you need to know to conduct a survey or evaluate one and provides a basic understanding of the theoretical basis of sampling. The clarity of the book makes it a model for effective instruction and one that opens the road for those who must master the subject themselves." (Norton Long, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Missouri, St. Louis)

"A basic tool for conducting survey research projects that any researcher can understand and use. Freed of confusing statistical theory, yet comprehensive in approach with step-by-step details." (John B. Sauvajot, Public Management Consultant and Former Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, San Diego County)

"Demystifies the arcane world of pollsters and survey research. Anyone who conducts surveys, hires survey consultants, reads reports, or makes policy based on survey data will benefit from this book." (Robert J. Waste, Survey Research Center, California State University, Chico)

Review

Praise for the Previous Edition of Designing and Conducting Survey Research

"Clear, thorough, well-written, and eminently practical. Takes you step by step through all you need to know to conduct a survey or evaluate one and provides a basic understanding of the theoretical basis of sampling. The clarity of the book makes it a model for effective instruction and one that opens the road for those who must master the subject themselves."
--Norton Long, professor emeritus of political science, University of Missouri, St. Louis

"A basic tool for conducting survey research projects that any researcher can understand and use. Freed of confusing statistical theory yet comprehensive in approach with step-by-step details."
--John B. Sauvajot, Public management consultant and former deputy chief administrative officer, San Diego County

"Demystifies the arcane world of pollsters and survey research. Anyone who conducts surveys, hires survey consultants, reads reports, or makes policy based on survey data will benefit from this book."
--Robert J. Waste, Survey Research Center, California State University, Chico --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; Second Edition edition (July 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078790810X
• ISBN-13: 978-0787908102
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,036,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 110 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An encyclopedic work to meet the needs of survey designers., January 27, 2000

By 

Richard Dusto (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide (Jossey Bass Public Administration Series) (Hardcover)

I had taken on a consultation project in which the task was to develop a climate survey for use within a public school system. I painstakingly reviewed various research journals and books pertaining to the subject matter of survey design. The information gathered from these sources was helpful, but not adequate. Fortunately, I discovered the book "Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide" in a library. This book provided me with information that was not only invaluable in my efforts to develop an actual survey instrument, but additionally guided my efforts in designing focus groups to validate my instrument. This publication assisted me with focusing my design efforts. The various appendices provide exceptional reference material. I was so impressed with the information that it provided me, I purchased the text to have as a readily available resource for my future survey endeavors. To all who are embarking on their first survey design journey, or to those of you who are seasoned veterans, do yourself justice and explore this publication.

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written instructions for writing and interpting surveys, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide (Jossey Bass Public Administration Series) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent reference book for writing survey questions, for ensuring population representation in your samples and for interpting the responses. It even includes reference statistical tables for use in analysis of survey responses. All this in a small volume that is easily understood because it is so well written! It hits the nail right on the head. If you are conducting surveys or must present results after a survey is completed, this is a "must read" book.

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written instructions for writing and intrepting surveys, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide (Jossey Bass Public Administration Series) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent reference book for writing survey questions, for ensuring population representation in your samples and for intrepting the responses. It even includes reference statistical tables for use in analysis of survey responses. All this in a small volume that is easily understood because it is so well written! It hits the nail right on the head. If you are conducting surveys or must present results after a survey is completed, this is a "must read" book.