Surveys are very effective in providing both qualitative and quantitative data for your report on the livability of Docklands.
Tips for Effective Surveys
- Make sure you survey a variety of people.
- Use clear questions
- Ensure the questions are relevant to your fieldwork outcome
- Do not ask too many questions
- Avoid questions that require extensive thinking on the part of the respondent
- Ensure the questions can be answered briefly
- Use simple and direct language
- Avoid starting with ‘Do you agree with…?’
- Prepare the questions carefully to avoid bias
- Avoid questions that are of a personal nature and/or are likely to cause offense
- Ensure that questions are given in a logical sequence.
Some survey techniques to consider:
Direct questionnaire or interview – Direct (face-to-face) questionnaires or interview surveys are usually conducted in public spaces. The questions asked are generally closed, requiring only a short response.
Generic Paper Survey – a questionnaire that provides both quantitative and qualitative data that can be answered quickly.
Resources
Research Base Knowledge Questions – Types of Survey Questions
Geography All The Way – Fieldwork Observations
Your Task
1. Read through the document provided on studywiz – Gathering Data Using Surveys – as well as look at the resources above.
2. Using this information, work with your group to put together a survey that you can hand out on your next field trip visit to Docklands. As you put together your survey consider:
- Who you are surveying?
- The type of information that you are wanting to gather (refer to your criteria on livability)
- How you will represent these findings in your field report
3. Show me a copy of your survey. I will go through it and fix up any issues. Once this has happened I can print off some copies for you.