Fielding a Survey
Introduction
This topic provides general guidelines for fielding a survey.
Conducting a survey
The following table outlines the main stages in conducting a survey.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Establish objectives | Identify the objectives of the survey. |
| 2. Plan and prepare |
|
| 3. Conduct the survey | Print, mail or e-mail surveys and present them to the respondents. Note: A web-based survey may be used, but requires extra work to design. |
| 4. Collect raw data |
|
| 5. Analyse data |
|
General tips
Consider changing the categories or options included in the sample survey to tailor requirements for your portal.
Some useful tips for re-developing survey-based questionnaires are:
- Keep the survey brief.
- Use simple language and common concepts.
- Keep questions manageable.
- Structure questions to reduce confusion.
- Run a pilot test of the survey.
Keep the survey brief
Distinguish what is "nice to know" from what you "need to know". Stick with the "need to know" for the survey.
Use simple language and common concepts
It is important to use simple language in the survey. This reduces any ambiguity.
Use the following guidelines:
- use common words rather than any catchy phrases or jargon,
- phrase short questions,
- avoid asking two questions in one,
- avoid double negatives, and
- qualify or explain options and choices.
Keep questions manageable
Ensure that the questions are manageable for the respondent.
This can be achieved by the following:
- ask personal fact questions,
Note: Respondents can answer questions of personal fact easier than questions of opinions and attitudes. - avoid any recall of the past, and
- avoid hypothetical questions.
Question structure
General rules to structure individual questions are:
- use simple questions rather than general ones,
- use close-ended and open-ended items for appropriate inquiries,
- offer a "no opinion" option,
- watch wording choices,
- use open-ended follow-ups to close-ended questions, and
- ask multiple questions on an important topic.
Run a pilot test
Test the survey to ensure that respondents:
- understand the meaning of the questions,
- can respond to the questions (the questions aren't too complicated), and
- maintain interest and attention.
The pilot can be done with the interviewer in the room with the respondent to discuss the respondent's reaction to the survey.
Contact for information on this page: nsip@finance.gov.au