Survey Methodology (Wiley Series in Survey Methodology) [Paperback]

Robert M. Groves (Author), Floyd J. Fowler Jr. (Author), Mick P. Couper (Author), James M. Lepkowski (Author), Eleanor Singer (Author), Roger Tourangeau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0471483486 | ISBN-13: 978-0471483489 | Edition: 1

An accessible introduction to the science and application of sample surveys
Over the past two decades, survey research has evolved significantly. Survey Methodology describes the basic principles of survey design discovered in methodological research over recent years and offers guidance for making successful decisions in the design and execution of high quality surveys. Written by six nationally recognized experts in the field, this book covers the major considerations in designing and conducting a sample survey. Topical, accessible, and succinct, this book represents the state of the science in survey methodology. Employing the "total survey error" paradigm as an organizing framework, it merges the science of surveys with state-of-the-art practices. End-of-chapter terms, references, and exercises enhance its value as a reference for practitioners and as a text for advanced students.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…a much-needed synthesis of survey methodology. It provides an excellent resource for developing a course…and gives researchers and practitioners a clear view…" (Journal of the American Statistical Association, September 2006)

"…it should find an audience everywhere surveys are being conducted." (Technometrics, May 2005)

From the Back Cover

An accessible introduction to the science and application of sample surveys

Over the past two decades, survey research has evolved significantly. Survey Methodology describes the basic principles of survey design discovered in methodological research over recent years and offers guidance for making successful decisions in the design and execution of high quality surveys. Written by six nationally recognized experts in the field, this book covers the major considerations in designing and conducting a sample survey. Topical, accessible, and succinct, this book represents the state of the science in survey methodology. Employing the "total survey error" paradigm as an organizing framework, it merges the science of surveys with state-of-the-art practices. End-of-chapter terms, references, and exercises enhance its value as a reference for practitioners and as a text for advanced students.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1 edition (April 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471483486
• ISBN-13: 978-0471483489
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #834,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Applied Project Reference or Introductory Text, January 10, 2009

By 

John M. Ford "johnDC" (near DC, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Survey Methodology (Wiley Series in Survey Methodology) (Paperback)

The authors have written a very good book on survey research that can serve equally well as a guide for project managers or a text in a survey methods course. I looked through our office's copy as I was preparing to conduct a large survey and was sufficiently impressed to buy my own to underline in and spill soda on.

Practitioners benefit from a well-organized reminder of survey design principles they have followed in previous projects. "The Life Cycle of a Survey From a Design Perspective" (p. 41) and "The Life Cycle of a Survey From a Quality Perspective" (p. 49) in Chapter 2 remind us how and why we design surveys. They are helpful when writing a survey proposal or project plan, even for experienced readers. The rest of the book reminds us how to design and draw samples, write and order questions, collect and analyze data, and report results responsibly. We learn the latest innovations along the way.

Instructors and students in a survey methods course are also well-served. The twelve chapters cover the breadth appropriate in such a course. "For More In-Depth Reading" sections at the end of each chapter satisfy motivated readers with a focused selection of advanced texts. "Keywords" in the vocabulary of survey research are tagged in the margins as they are defined in the text and listed at chapter end for summary studying. Exercises after each chapter aid learning self-assessment--presumably, model answers are available from the publisher.

One instructional feature of the book is worth special note. Spaced through the book are 23 half-page reviews of key research studies. Each review is set off in a gray column on the outside half of its page. These reviews are concise article profiles, each presenting the Study Design, Findings, Limitations of the Study, and Impact of the Study--often supplemented by a data table. They remind readers of the research basis of survey design, point to relevant literature, and model how we should extract important implications. These examples show students how to digest the meaning of research and remind practitioners to draw from and contribute to the continuing development of the field. Nicely done!

It is clear throughout the book that these authors respect their discipline. As they contribute to it, they value the contributions of others. When they disagree with prior survey practices, they do so with gentle hands and the awareness that their own contributions will be superseded in time. I recommend this book strongly to students and practitioners. Read it, refer to it, recommend and loan it to your colleagues. Respect it. But never, ever treat it as the unquestioned "bible" of survey methods, using it to reject new developments it does not include. This would be contrary to the vision of an evolving, progressing discipline so respected by the authors.

24 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong Text of Applied Theory, August 18, 2005

By 

David B. Haynes (Utah United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Survey Methodology (Wiley Series in Survey Methodology) (Paperback)

Terrific review of how to design and execute quality surveys from some of the most respected names in market research. I bought six copies for the executive team - I can't think of a stronger endorsement. - David Haynes, CEO Western Wats

6 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Good for academics not real world, January 3, 2007

By 

R. Natarajan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Survey Methodology (Wiley Series in Survey Methodology) (Paperback)

I got this book upon recommendation from a colleague who is a statistician. But I'm not a statistician so there is lots of formulas and not any real world examples that I could understand.I had taken may be one or two courses in college about Statistics. This book didn't make any sense to me.