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Social Research Methods Part 6

Survey Design

Delivered by Institute for Social Science Research

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 learnt by discussing scenarios, developing and refining survey questions during group discussion time and gaining feedback from the trainers.

Upcoming courses

Delivery mode
online, online classroom
Date
18–19 September 2025
9.00am–12.30pm (GMT+10) Brisbane time
Time commitment
7 hours

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.

You don’t need to complete any other Social Research Methods courses before enrolling in this course.

What you'll learn

  • Understand the value and purpose of surveys, and when to use them.
  • Identify, select and recruit your audience, then 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 your analysis, including open-ended questions.
  • Understand and address research bias, and adhere 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-12:30pm AEST)

Course curriculum

Assessment

There are no assessments for this short course.

Certification and accreditation

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion to verify their skills and achievements.

Facilitators

Elizabeth Kennedy
Ms Elizabeth Kennedy
Senior Research Officer, Institute for Social Science Research

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
Other students A$458

Registration closes 7 days before the course starts.

The course will only proceed if there are 10 or more participants.

If you will be participating from outside Australia, please contact issr.education@uq.edu.au before enrolling online.

GST is included in the cost

Discounts can't be used with other discounts, offers or special promotions.

Payment options

We 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.

Related courses

This course is part of the Social Research Methods suite. There are 11 courses within this suite – see the other related courses below:

Contact

Institute for Social Science Research

For more professional development options: