This class is for anyone who wants to know what other people think, feel, or do! Maybe you want to understand what design features your customers want from your product, why people are buying from your competition, or what your employees are saying about you.

Basic survey research is a common tool, but most people never learn the key principles. Survey design is an art and a science-- better surveys get better data, which help you make smarter decisions. This class will prepare students to write effective questionnaires.

Students should be prepared with an idea for research they want to conduct using a survey. The class will begin with understanding your research aims and writing questions to meet these aims. Specific modules offered include: asking about sensitive topics (drinking! drugs! mean thoughts!); picking the right scale (numbers, letters, labels?); and avoiding pitfalls (more common than most people realize). Lectures will include basic theory but will focus primarily on "real world" examples.

Key Takeaways:

• Upfront Work: Steps that need to be completed BEFORE collecting data.

• Start With the End in Mind: Aday’s “who+what+where+when+why” formula for clear research questions.

• How You'll Do It: Key considerations when choosing a survey mode.

• Thinking Through Questions: The 5 stages of the Response Process Model.

• Beyond Questions: Things to remember when selecting a scale

• Putting it all together: Questionnaire layout