Saint Augustine School: Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School: Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
(DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532
CONCEPT NOTES
THE SURVEY
One other very useful primary research method is the survey. In conducting a survey, you as the researcher,
have to identify whom you want to survey. This means defining the target population. Sometimes the population may be
small enough so you can study every member. When this happens, you have a census study.
More often than not, the entire population would be too large and so you have to survey a sample of the
population. The sample should be representative of the population
1. Random Sampling. In this method, each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This
sample is representative of the whole population.
2. Systematic Sampling. In this method, the sample size of the population is estimated and from this, a list of the
population members is obtained and from the list, the nth member is selected. For example, every 7 th member
in the list is selected.
3. Stratified Sampling. In this method, the ‘stratum’ is identified by the researcher. The ‘stratum’ is a segment of
the population who share a common characteristic. This method is used when members of one stratum in a
population are fewer compared to other stratums. Examples of stratums are teachers and students, clerical
personnel and managerial personnel, males and females.
4. Convenience Sampling. In this method, the sample is selected, as the term implies, by convenience. Because it
requires less time and expense than a random sample, this method is best used in preliminary research.
DESIGNING A QUESTIONNAIRE
A questionnaire is the instrument you distribute to members of the population you survey. The series of
questions it contains should elicit the information that will help you answer your research questions.
Before you list the questions to include in the questionnaire, determine first what your purpose is for doing the
survey. The survey can be an effective research tool if the purpose for doing it is closely aligned with the overall research
objectives.
Related to determining your goal is what you are going to do with the data you gather from the survey. How do
you intend to use it? It would be such a waste of resources if the survey results will not have any significant contribution
to your study.
REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532
The questionnaire should come with a cover letter. The cover letter is an indispensable part of the questionnaire
where you can provide the respondent the motivation to complete it. The cover letter is where you can persuade the
respondent to take part in the survey. Remember though, to keep the cover letter short.
The cover letter has a fairly standard format. What should you include in the cover letter? Aside from
introducing the researcher and the topic of the research other information you can include are:
REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications