Surveys

Question 1

cross-sectional

Answer 1

A cross-sectional survey gathers information about a population at a single point in time. For example, planners might conduct a survey on how parents feel about the quality of recreation facilities as of today.

Question 2

longitudinal surveys

Answer 2

Citizen surveys conducted over a period of years.

Question 3

Written surveys

Answer 3

Mail, newspaper, distributed.
Pros:
obtain information from a broad audience
low-cost
Cons:
low response rate, averaging around 20 percent
requires the participant to be able to read and write
it may be inappropriate when targeting seniors, those that do not speak English, and the illiterate.

Question 4

Group-administered surveys

Answer 4

When there is a specific population that a planner is trying to target. Requires small sample size
Pros:
high and quick response rate
Cons:
The difficulty with administering this survey is getting everyone together to complete the survey

Question 5

Drop-off survey

Answer 5

Allows the survey to be dropped off at someone’s residence or business.
Pros:
Response rates are higher than with a mail survey because the person dropping off the survey may have personal contact with the respondent
Cons:
This method can be expensive because of the time required to distribute the surveys.

Question 6

Phone surveys

Answer 6

Pros:
when you need yes/no answers
allow the interviewer to follow up and gain further explanation on answers

Cons:
response rate varies greatly, depending on the ability to reach potential respondents
declining response rates
expensive
biased

Question 7

Online surveys

Answer 7

These can be administered on a website, e-mail, or text message.
Pros:
Popular
inexpensive
quick responses
higher response rate 
Cons:
you will not reach people without Internet access, which can introduce significant bias.

Question 8

Key points for designing surveys

Answer 8

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.