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Journal Article 1: Moy, P., & Murphy, J. (2016). Problems and prospects in survey research. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 93(1), 16-37.

Abstract: Over the last few decades, survey research has witnessed a number of developments that have affected the quality of data that emerge using this methodology. Using the total survey error approach as a point of departure, this article documents chronic challenges to data quality. With the aim of facilitating assessments of data quality, this article then turns to best practices in the disclosure of survey findings based on probability and nonprobability samples. Finally, (p)reviewing the use of technology and social media, it provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges for survey research today.

Journal Article 2: Lovekamp, W. E., Soboroff, S. D., & Gillespie, M. D. (2016). Engaging students in survey research projects across research methods and statistics courses. Teaching Sociology, 45(1), 65-72.

Abstract: One innovative way to help students make sense of survey research has been to create a multifaceted, collaborative assignment that promotes critical thinking, comparative analysis, self-reflection, and statistical literacy. We use a short questionnaire adapted from the Higher Education Research Institute’s Cooperative Institutional Research Program’s Freshman Survey. In our Research Methods course, students begin by administering the brief questionnaire to a small, nonrandom sample of students at our university. They analyze the data descriptively and compare their “results” to the national trends as part of their required course homework. These data are then quantitatively analyzed throughout all homework exercises the next semester during their statistics course. This collaborative effort bridges methods, statistics, and capstone courses, helping students connect the courses and develop a deeper understanding, awareness and appreciation of the utility of pre-established instruments for collecting primary data and for assessing the meaning of secondary data.

Journal Article 3: Finch, J. (2016). The vignette technique in survey research. Sociology, 21(1), 105-114.

Abstract: This research note describes the use of vignettes in the author’s current survey of beliefs about family obligations, and discusses the potential of the technique for eliciting survey data of a normative kind. Comparisons are made between different ways of using vignettes in British and American surveys concerned with beliefs and norms.