Survey research is an essential tool for social scientists, allowing them to collect data and insights from many people. To conduct a successful survey, there are several vital considerations regarding survey methodology that researchers must take into account. These...
DEI Surveys & The Religion Question: Dr. J.T. Snipes in Conversation
Dr. J.T. Snipes and SoundRocket collaborated on the revision of a religious identity question, which will be part of our national benchmark DEI survey. In this conversation with Dr. Joshua Patterson of SoundRocket, Dr. Snipes discusses his research background and...
A Website Analysis of the Consumer Genomics Industry Reveals Gaps in Public-facing Information – Part One
When we looked online at genetic tests marketed to consumers, the options were dizzying; after reading the websites we were left with more questions than answers and we wondered—what does this mean for consumers? - Jill Furnival, Genetic Counselor, SoundRocketNew...
Scott D. Crawford: ‘Equity & Inclusion in Accessible Survey Design’
This seminar is part of two seminar series: a seminar series hosted jointly by the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science at the University of Michigan and the Joint Program in Survey Methodology at the University of Maryland the Inclusive Research...
Genomic Return of Results Study Underscores Clinical Value, Takeaways for Expanded Implementation
Biobanks studying genes and human health in large populations are popping up around the globe, but what are researchers to do when they uncover medically important—or potentially lifesaving—results for volunteers who gave their DNA anonymously to science? A research...
Interview with Dr. Bill Axinn, Survey Expert & SoundRocket Collaborator (Part 1)
Photo by Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0) Soundrocket conducted an interview with University of Michigan professor Bill Axinn. Bill is a valued client and collaborator, and this post outlines Dr. Axinn's research, how he first came to find Scott Crawford, eventually...
Satisficing: Why Survey Participants Give Quick, Inaccurate Answers
In a previous post we discussed how to minimize survey breakoff. Surveys are a great way to collect data but when designing a survey it’s important to consider how much is too much. Today we are going to discuss satisficing, how to keep respondents engaged, and in...
Good Surveys Come With Subtraction, Not Addition: How Questionnaire Length Leads to Breakoffs
We often hear—so how long can our questionnaire be? While we love surveys, the reality is most respondents don’t share our enthusiasm, which means long questionnaires can be bad for data quality. Today we are going to look at how long surveys can lead to breakoff, and...
Introducing Error Through Use of Web Survey Progress Indicators
In 1998, fascinated with the potential for the web to serve as a data collection platform, I wondered what sources of error may crop up with this new technology. Not surprisingly, we noticed early on that if participants did not finish a web-based survey in one...