General Information

The first GESIS Summer School in Survey Methodology will take place at the University of Cologne between August 9 and 25, 2012. It is a joint venture of GESIS and the University of Mannheim.

Objectives

Surveys are the main method of systematic data collection in the Social Sciences. Surveys provide empirical data for researchers to analyse, and are an important source of information for business, charities and policy makers. There are numerous types of surveys suited for different purposes. Given the variety and complexity of survey research, designing and conducting a survey that effectively and efficiently serves a specific purpose requires specialised expertise and skill (as well as a good team). The GESIS Summer School offers high quality training in state of the art techniques and methods of survey research. It aims to equip participants with essential skills in the design, planning, execution, documentation and quality assurance of surveys of households, individuals or organisations.

Structure

In this first year, three two-day refresher courses, seven two-week and six one-week main courses are on offer. The one-week courses can be booked as a two-week theme or independently. The courses cover themes related to survey methodology reflecting the whole survey life-cycle as well as different research designs, e.g. questionnaire design, mail and web surveys, sampling, mixed methods, vignette studies and cross-national surveys. To ensure high course quality, the number of places on each main course is limited to 20 participants. We therefore recommend early application. Each course is a full-time course. 

Courses consist of a variable mix of lectures, workshops, project work and practical exercises in small groups. Please note that for the exercises, participants may have to bring their own laptop computers. In the evenings, there will be plenary sessions and round-tables with invited speakers discussing various topics related to survey methodology throughout the two weeks. In the later evenings, there will also be the opportunity to meet up for networking and culinary explorations in a Cologne brewery. A cultural programme is finally scheduled for the weekend between the two course weeks (details to follow). 

Target audience

The Summer School is designed for advanced graduate and PhD students as well as post-docs and junior researchers interested in improving their knowledge and skills in survey methodology from all relevant fields, such as Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Education Science, Communication Science, Epidemiology, Demography etc. Professionals from outside academic research who are working with surveys are welcome to apply.

Prerequisites

Participants benefit most from a course that matches their prior skills and knowledge. We thus recommend strongly that applicants check the course requirements indicated in the detailed description of every individual course. All prospective participants need to have basic knowledge of empirical research methods and the survey process, such as from a Social Science Master’s degree class on empirical research methods. Some courses may have higher specific requirements that will be indicated in the detailed programme. In order to meet those requirements, participants can brush up their knowledge and skills in intensive two-day refresher courses on August 9 and 10. The Summer School will entirely be held in English; thus a good command of English is also expected.

Note that for most courses, you will need to bring your own laptop computer in order to perform the practical exercises. Further details will be provided upon registration.