Survey research comes to life as an efficient method of data collection. It can examine the thoughts, suggestions, and tastes of various audiences to create meaningful information.

Know it or not, proper survey conduction and obedience to all the procedures can bring your survey to another level. Please read the following instructions, so they can add to your research excellence. 

Using surveys for research can be beneficial

Minimum Investment

Your business can benefit from survey research in multiple ways. What is extremely important is that it can be conveyed with minimum investment. You may create a survey questionnaire on an online survey platform and send it through the mailing system for free. Although, if you have a minimal budget, you may significantly raise research quality.

Versatile Sources for Response Collection

When you’re conducting survey research you may choose from multiple sources of data collection. Social networks, mailing systems, phone calls, face-to-face interviews, and sophisticated online survey services are all available for you to use.

Reliable for Respondents

This research type is beneficial both for those who create surveys and for the respondents. Since the survey data reflect the opinions of target audiences (consumers, clients, market segments) it can influence product improvement, and brand enhancement according to customers’ perceptions.

What Are the Stages for Designing Survey research?

There are five stages of survey research design:

  1. Decide an Aim of the Research

We created a shortlist for you to quickly go through the main stages of a survey process. From the very beginning of the survey, you ought to decide why you are doing it. The aim should be clearly defined, transparent, and easy to understand for all the participants in the survey process.

  1. Filter the Sample from Target Population

Next, choose the right sample, it can be calculated on the basis of your target population.  The sample should reflect all the key target groups in your population. For example, if your products are toys for kids, they as well as their parents should be included in a sample.

  1. Zero-In on a Survey Method

You may decide to choose several survey methods and use them with the same sample population. It would help you to gather more detailed data and to avoid poor survey results. For example, if you are able to use questionnaires dissemination and focus groups with the same respondents.

  1. Design the Questionnaire

Following the aim formulation, target audience, and methods selection, you need to design a questionnaire. It is a list of questions with answers that contain topics and themes relevant to the aim of your research. Make the questions simple, every respondent should understand them from the very first try.

  1. Send out Surveys and Analyze Results

Now, you make all the arrangements and are ready to send the questionnaires to the respondents. Choose the most favourable dissemination channels and spread the materials. Respondents’ feedback has to be analyzed by data grouping. Pay attention to statistically significant values and prepare a survey report on its basis.

10 Suggestions On How to Design An Effective Research Survey

Set Your SMART Goals

We also have a few suggestions that will lift your survey to a near-professional level. First, use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) approach when negotiating goals for your survey.

Choose the Right Questions

Second, pick up the right questions, and make them simple and short. They should reflect the survey targets.

Start Your Survey with a Generalized Question

Third, start your survey with demographic or generalized questions. Prepare a short statement for the respondents about the aims of the survey and do appreciate their involvement and time.

Diversify Your Survey and Keep It Short

Fourth, make the questionnaire concise and easy to comprehend. You may diversify the questionnaire structure, but don’t make it overcomplicated.

Prepare Different Types of Questions

Fifth, remember that different types of questions may boost participation and help to gather qualitative data.

Test Your Survey Before Distributing It

Sixth, you may test your survey before the distribution in order to avoid misconduct and small problems which can negatively affect the survey.

Distribute Your Survey

Seventh, you may distribute your survey through various channels. If one channel isn’t enough you may another and see if it has a greater impact.

Gather and Analyze Responses

Eighth, gather and analyze responses. You can make it continuously during the survey process or at the end of the survey when all the feedback is gathered.

Prepare Your Summary Report

Ninth, survey analysis should not be conducted in a hurry as it may distort the results. The analyzed data is the primary source of information about your report. 

Share Your Results with Your Respondents

Tenth, after the report is finished you may share it with your respondents to inform them about the main results. You shouldn’t do it if the results contain trade secrets. Nevertheless, if you use knowledge from this article in your survey, no doubt, it will impact the whole survey quality.