Overview
During this course, you'll learn how to identify when a survey is appropriate, choose a suitable sampling method and survey mode, create a valid, quality, well-tested instrument, and adhere to ethical guidelines.
You'll be led through real-world examples of how to apply this knowledge and skills in practice to better understand the process and considerations of survey design.
You'll also get to consider sampling methods, discuss the main pitfalls of survey design, and practise the skills you've learnt by discussing scenarios, developing and refining survey questions during group discussion time, and gaining feedback from the trainers.
Who should attend
- Research and policy officers in the government or private sectors
- Researchers and evaluators
- PhD students (with minimal survey design experience)
- Anyone interested in developing a survey to be administered online, by phone, by post or face-to-face
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements or prerequisites.
What you'll learn
- Understand the value and purpose of surveys, when to use them, how to identify and recruit audience, and how to choose a suitable survey mode.
- Understand the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and 'bots' in survey design, sampling and data analysis.
- Design a quality survey, considering question types, standard responses, scales, order and wording.
- Consider how to conduct analysis, including open-ended questions, and understand and address research bias while adhering to ethical guidelines.
- Test your survey (including cognitive testing) and maximise response rates.
Time commitment
This is an online course that will require roughly 7 hours to complete.
- 2 half-days (9am to 12:30pm AEST)
- 2026 dates: 25 and 26 August (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings)
Course curriculum
Assessment
Certification and accreditation
Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion to verify their skills and achievements.
Facilitators
Cost
| Applicant | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard rate | A$610 |
| Early bird (book 1 month before the course starts) | A$519 |
| Groups of 3 or more (per person) | A$488 |
| UQ students | A$427 |
| Non-UQ students (use your student email to register) | A$458 |
GST is included in the cost for participants in Australia. If you are participating from outside Australia, GST will be excluded
If you're participating from outside Australia, contact us before you enrol to ensure Australian taxes are excluded from the cost.
We offer discounts to not-for-profit employees and developing country participants. Contact us for details.
Discounts can't be used with other discounts, offers or special promotions.
Payment optionsWe accept credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) for payment, including corporate credit cards. We can also invoice corporate and government clients. If you want to discuss payment options, please contact our team at issr.education@uq.edu.au.
Contact
Institute for Social Science Research
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