Survey Research Methods, Third Edition (Applied Social Research Methods Series) [Paperback]

Floyd J. Fowler Jr. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761921915 | ISBN-13: 978-0761921912 | Publication Date: August 24, 2001 | Edition: 3rd

Popular with over 49,000 readers for giving those who want to collect, analyze, or read about survey data, a sound basis for evaluating how each aspect of a survey can affect its precision, accuracy, and credibility, this new edition presents the latest methodological knowledge on survey research. New to this edition is coverage of:

• Improved techniques for evaluating survey questions
• The latest options available to researchers in using the computer and the internet for surveys
• Recent methodological findings to enhance survey research

With an emphasis on the importance of minimizing nonsampling errors through superior question design, quality interviewing, and high response rates, this book helps readers understand the relationship of data collection to figures and statistics based on the survey-and how much confidence to place in the reported results based on this relationship. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It provides a concise overview of the entire survey research process and does so using clear and easy to understand language….Survey Research Methods is a well-packaged and valuable resource for researchers. It is well written and has many desirable features, particularly with respect to the intended audience"

(Organizational Research Methods )

About the Author

Floyd J. Fowler Jr.  is a graduate of Wesleyan University and  received a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1966. He has been a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Survey Research at UMASS Boston since 1971. He was Director of the Center for 14 years. Dr. Fowler is the author (or co-author) of four text books on survey methods, as well as numerous research papers and monographs. His recent work has focused on studies of question design and evaluation techniques and applying survey methods to studies of medical care.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications; 3rd edition (August 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761921915
• ISBN-13: 978-0761921912
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #327,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good basic work on survey research, June 15, 2010

By 

Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Survey Research Methods (Applied Social Research Methods) (Paperback)

I used to teach a graduate course on research methods. This was one of the texts that I would assign--and I always enjoyed working with it. In addition, students tended to respond well to this book.

Pluses: it is accessibly written; it is rather brief, so it does not overwhelm the reader. On the other hand, sometimes it would have been nice to have a wee bit more detail on certain issues (but that is a small point, after all).

The book covers the basics: sampling, nonresponse--and how to address this; methods of collecting data; designing questions (a key, but often underlooked part of the survey process); evaluating survey questions and the instrument as a whole; interviewing; preparing data for analysis; ethical issues in survey research; etc.

One key issue: total survey design. By looking at each stage in the process and trying to reduce error, one can enhance the confidence in one's findings and results.

Overall, a fine work. . . .

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, December 24, 2010

By 

su - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Survey Research Methods (Applied Social Research Methods) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my survey design class. It was clearly written with very useful examples. I especially liked the sample design section.

3.0 out of 5 stars Non-Quantitative Survey Design, February 16, 2011

By 

John M. Ford "johnDC" (near DC, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Survey Research Methods: 1 (Applied Social Research Methods) (Kindle Edition)

Most of us are familiar with survey results--public opinion measured by the media, political opinions gathered by campaigning office-seekers, and market research to help position consumer products. We are less familiar with the techniques of conducting a useful survey under constraints of time and cost. Floyd Fowler's book is a well-written remedy which aims "...to give a sound basis for evaluating data collection procedures to those who would collect, analyze, or read about survey data." He does this by teaching readers the three separate methodologies of sampling, designing questions, and data collection. He discusses the common sources of error in surveys and how to minimize it.

The book is suitable as either a research methods text or as training for researchers conducting their first, small surveys. The thirteen chapters are clearly written and require no background in statistics or research design. Each chapter is followed by a carefully winnowed list of additional readings and brief exercises that test readers' understanding. The focus is on the pragmatics of survey research. The discussion of nonresponse to survey invitations, for example, emphasizes the trade-off between achieving a high participation rate and the time and cost constraints of the research project. Readers are advised not to overdesign their data collection procedures when less precision is called for.

There are few weaknesses. One concern is the light treatment of quantitative topics. While it is true that beginners will likely need the assistance of a sampling expert, they could be better prepared to understand how a sample size is calculated and other basics. The brief chapter on data analysis is a more serious shortcoming. Some basic coverage of frequency distributions, percentages and averages seems a necessary minimum, but is absent. Discussion of statistical significance and practical significance of group differences would also be helpful.

The book is a painless introduction to survey research and, with some additional quantitative instruction, can prepare a novice to conduct a survey. The author is a highly respected researcher whose advice is worth reading. Readers looking for a more technical introduction may prefer Survey Methodology by the author and three of his colleagues.