DATA COLLECTION

Question 1

survey

Answer 1

a research method that allows one to collect data on a topic that cannot be directly observed. Surveys are used extensively in planning to assess attitudes and characteristics of the public on a wide range of topics.

Question 2

sampling frame

Answer 2

the population of interest

Question 3

cross-sectional survey

Answer 3

A cross-sectional survey gathers information about a population at a single point in time.

Question 4

longitudinal surveys

Answer 4

As an alternative, planners may conduct longitudinal surveys over a period of time. Some cities conduct a citizen survey of service satisfaction every couple of years. This data can be combined to compare the differences in satisfaction between 1995 and 2005.

Question 5

Written surveys

Answer 5

can be mailed, printed in a newspaper, or administered in a group setting. Written surveys are very popular when a planner is trying to obtain information from a broad audience, such as general opinions about the community. This is a low-cost survey method that is convenient for participants because they can complete the survey at their leisure. However, mail surveys have a low response rate, averaging around 20 percent. A written survey also requires the participant to be able to read and write. For this reason, it may be inappropriate when targeting seniors, those that do not speak English, and the illiterate.

Question 6

Group-administered surveys

Answer 6

are appropriate when there is a specific population that a planner is trying to target. This form of surveying allows a high and quick response rate. The difficulty with administering this survey is getting everyone together to complete the survey. One example would be to survey participants in recreation programming by asking each person to complete a survey at the end of class. This survey method requires a small sample size.

Question 7

Drop-off survey

Answer 7

allows the survey to be dropped off at someone’s residence or business. Respondents are free to complete the survey at their convenience. Response rates are higher than with a mail survey because the person dropping off the survey may have personal contact with the respondent. This method can be expensive because of the time required to distribute the surveys. The sample is generally smaller than with a mail survey.

Question 8

Oral surveys

Answer 8

can be administered on the phone or in person.

Question 9

Phone surveys

Answer 9

are useful when you need yes/no answers. Surveys on the phone or in person allow the interviewer to follow up and gain further explanation on answers. The response rate varies greatly, depending on the ability to reach potential respondents. Response rates for phone surveys are declining. Phone surveys are usually more expensive than mail or internet-based surveys. Phone and in-person interviews can be biased due to interaction with the interviewer. Long questions and those with multiple answers are difficult to administer using this method.

Question 10

Online surveys

Answer 10

are popular. These can be administered on a website, e-mail, or text message. This is an inexpensive method of surveying that can generate quick responses. Electronic surveys have a higher response rate than written or interview surveys. The downside is that you will not reach people without Internet access, which can introduce significant bias.

Question 11

designing a survey

Answer 11

Make all questions clear (don’t use technical jargon). Make sure each question only asks about one issue. Make questions as short as possible. Avoid negative items as they can confuse respondents. Avoid biased items and terms. Use a consistent response method, such as a scale of 1 to 7 or yes/no. Sequence questions from general to specific. Make the questions as easy to answer as possible. Define any unique or unusual terms. For example, when you are conducting a survey about open space zoning be sure to define what the term means.

Question 12

sample design

Answer 12

The sample should represent the population about which information is being gathered. The extent to which this is the case determines how general the findings will be.

Question 13

probability sampling

Answer 13

there is a direct mathematical relation between the sample and the population, so that precise conclusions can be drawn

Question 14

non-probability sampling

Answer 14

there is no precise connection between the sample and the population, so that the results have to be interpreted with caution since they are not necessarily representative of the population.

Question 15

Examples of probability sampling

Answer 15

random, systematic, stratified or cluster sampling

Question 16

Random sampling

Answer 16

where everyone has the same chance of being selected to participate in the survey

Question 17

stratified sampling

Answer 17

the population is divided into separate groups or classes, from which a sample is drawn such that the classes in the population are represented by the classes in the sample.

Question 18

cluster sample

Answer 18

a special form of stratified sampling, where a specific target group out of the general population is sampled from, such as the elderly, or residents of a specific neighborhood.

Question 19

examples of non-probability sampling

Answer 19

convenience, snowball sample or volunteer

Question 20

convenience sampling

Answer 20

individuals that are readily available

Question 21

snowball sample

Answer 21

where one interviewed person suggests other potential interviewees

Question 22

volunteer sample

Answer 22

consists of self-selected respondents

Question 23

volunteered geographic information (VGI)

Answer 23

for example, when participants enter information on a web map (e.g., volunteered street maps)