Conducting a survey is more than just having students answer a bunch of questions. There are many things a person interested in surveying DePaul's students, faculty, staff or alumni should consider, including:
1. Relevance: Does the survey provide useful information for DePaul's planning purposes? Does it provide useful feedback to those providing services to students? Does it provide the University with useful information on the experience of DePaul's students?
2. Content and Design: Is the survey designed well? Is the content appropriate? Does it follow sound survey methods and practices? Is it of appropriate length? Are the questions easily understood and interpretable?
3. Population and Sampling Methodology: What is the target population? Will the entire population be surveyed, or a sample? If the latter, what is the sampling methodology and is it sound? If the former, is a sample an option that should be considered to lessen the burden on students?
4. Timing: When will the survey be conducted? Does it overlap with other student surveys? Is it conducted at a time during the academic year when students are likely to respond?
5. Dissemination and Use of Information Collected: Who will have access to the information collected and how will they use it? Will it be presented to the President, Provost, Vice-Presidents, Deans, Directors, and/or other line managers who might be better informed in making decisions related to students as a result?
6. Protection of the data and information: How will the student responses be secured to comply with FERPA and other policies?
7. Overall Impact: What will be the impact of the study? Will the study negatively impact the University? Does the survey overburden students? Does the survey divert important University resources away from other more important projects?
Use the links on this page to learn more about survey design (writing questions, methodology, sampling, and disseminating your results). If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these areas, please contact Joe Filkins.