Thursday, June 25 - 9:00am to 4:00pm
Current knowledge of survey research best practices is important for social scientists who aspire to conduct high-quality surveys, and to critically evaluate existing survey-based studies. Technological advances over the past few decades have made it easier than ever before to administer surveys, and analyze and report on survey data. Yet paradoxically, social contexts for survey research are unprecedentedly challenging, with diminished survey participation rates worldwide.
Framed by the challenging context for survey research, this one day (6 hour) workshop will draw on the work of prominent survey research experts to emphasize effective practice. Participants will gain important knowledge and skills useful for evaluating survey data quality, and for planning and conducting self-administered surveys. The workshop will employ real-world examples and hands-on learning activities to engage with five main topics: Survey Error, Survey Response Theory, Question Design, Nonresponse, and Visual Aspects of Survey Design.
Instructor: Liz Williams, Vice Provost for Analytics and Assessment
Liz Williams is a higher education researcher with more than thirty years of experience designing and conducting surveys, including phone, mail, and online surveys. In her current role, Liz manages analytics and survey research activities to support data-informed decision making throughout UMass Amherst. She strives to achieve robust survey response rates, and collaborates with others to coordinate and centrally organize survey research activities at the university. Liz has co-presented survey research methods workshops for institutional researchers at both regional and national conferences and has co-authored research articles in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, and the Journal of College Student Development.
Kate Farmer, Senior Survey and Evaluation Analyst, ASER
Kate Farmer is a survey researcher with six years of experience designing and conducting surveys for research and program evaluation. They specialize in online surveys, including the use of workflows and other automation. In their current role, Kate conducts survey research and evaluation projects to support administrative decision-making at UMass Amherst. They strive to achieve robust response rates through both intentional design and their work in centrally coordinating cross-University survey research activities. Kate has drawn on this experience to co-facilitate conference workshops on survey research methods.
Questions? For more information about this or any of the ISSR Summer Methodology Workshops, please contact ISSR's Director of Research Methods Programs, Jessica Pearlman ([email protected]).
REGISTRATION INFORMATION | 6-HOUR WORKSHOP
Contact Jessica Pearlman if you have any trouble registering for multiple workshops.
Five College Students and Faculty
- Five College Undergraduate and Graduate Students and Postdocs: $75/person
- Five College Faculty & Staff: $135/person
Non-Five College Students and Faculty
- Non-Five College Undergraduate and Graduate Students and Postdocs: $150/person
- Non-Five College Faculty, Staff & Other Professionals: $210/person
Registration note: The Five Colleges include: UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College. Faculty, students and staff from University of Massachusetts Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell campuses and UMass Chan Medical School pay the five college rates. Registration closes for each workshop 2 full business days prior to the start date. If paying with departmental funds, contact Sue Falcetti ([email protected]).
Cancellation note: In cases where enrollment is 5 or less, we reserve the right to cancel the workshop. In cases where the registrant cancels prior to the workshop, a full refund will be given with two weeks notice, and 50% refund will be given with one week notice. We will not be able to refund in cases where registrant does not notify us of cancellation at least one week prior to the beginning date of the workshop.