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Pre-survey Scoping Considerations

OESR Surveys offers statistical consultancy services to advise clients on the most effective and efficient methods to collect and analyse information, particularly through the use of quantitative surveys, where this is the most appropriate method. The initial scoping phase of any project requiring the collection of information from some population of interest is critical in determining the best way to gather that information to produce results appropriate to need efficiently in terms of cost and time.

The aim of the questions posed below is to assist potential survey clients to focus their thinking about their information requirements prior to engaging with OESR Surveys’ Statistical Consulting team. OESR Survey’s statistical consultants will discuss issues raised by the questions as they work through all aspects of the survey scoping phase with you.

Overall objective of the project

What are the objectives of our project?
Which of our objectives can be met by gathering information in a quantitative survey? What objectives are measurable through the process of asking questions?
Do we have a good idea of how survey respondents will answer the questions we would like to ask of them? Can we anticipate the range and nature of their answers? If we can’t, then a phase of qualitative information gathering may be needed before a quantitative survey is contemplated.

Timing and cost

When do we need the outputs? A quantitative survey takes a certain, irreducible time to develop, conduct fieldwork for, analyse and interpret.
What is our budget ($)? A quantitative survey designed to provide reliable results may be costly.

Data and information requirements

What sort of information will our survey aim to collect? Can we be sure that respondents will understand our questions? Will they struggle to answer them? How aware are respondents likely to be of the issues we canvas in our questions? (Be as objective as you can.)
Are there any existing data collections, research outputs or sources of information related to our objectives already available to us? If so, how might this affect our information needs?

Survey population and data collection

Is our target population clearly identified and identifiable? What particular characteristic/s are we looking for?
What are our initial thoughts about the most appropriate mode of delivery of our questions? (by telephone, mail, web, face-to-face, observation, or a combination?). OESR consultants can provide good advice here based on their experience with all modes of administration.
Do we plan to repeat the survey for monitoring purposes? What change do we expect to see in key indicators? – this is a vital determinant of sample size.

Expected outputs

How will the data and information be used? What are the core and non-core results?
Who are the target audience for the results of our survey?
How might the nature of the audience influence the style of presentation of the results? Is a certain type of table or graph preferred for our audience?

For more information contact: statsconsulting@treasury.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3224 5326.

Last reviewed 25 March 2011