Survey design

The survey design, that, is the operational and methodological implementation of a survey, is a crucial survey factor - beyond the development of the survey instrument. It is a central component of social science research and includes the type of data collection, specific aspects of conducting the survey, and the scientific documentation of the collected data. Our GESIS experts are available to provide you with advice and support during this phase of your research project. We offer both consulting on selected topics as well as a the "complete package" of our services - specifically tailored to your consulting needs.

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Survey methodology consulting for survey design

Survey design

Numerous decisions have to be made when planning a survey: Depending on your research problem, you need to consider which survey design should be used, for example, whether a longitudinal study or a cross-sectional survey is appropriate. The question also arises as to which survey mode is suitable - should the survey be conducted orally, by telephone, in writing or online? Should the data be collected in a single mode or is it necessary to combine several modes?

Survey implementation

When implementing a survey, aspects such as contacting respondents, incentivization or field control are designed taking into account the available resources. Our GESIS experts can advise you on all aspects of survey implementation, particularly with regard to the special features of mixed-mode and mixed-device surveys.

Survey documentation

Eine umfassende und sorgfältige Dokumentation des Datenerhebungsprozesses und der Datenaufbereitung ist in wissenschaftlichen Forschungsprojekten unabdingbar - nur so kann sichergestellt werden, dass die Forschung reproduzierbar und transparent ist. Genau dies ist uns ein großes Anliegen. Unsere Beratungsleistungen zum Erhebungsdesign umfassen daher auch die Umfragedokumentation und zu ergänzende Datenqualitätsanalysen.

Collection of additional data

When planning the survey design, it can be useful to enrich the survey data collected with process data or data from other sources. This can significantly expand the analysis potential. For example, paradata, i.e. information from the survey process such as response times, can be recorded during the survey. Another option is to feed in social media data. Our experts can advise you on the procedure for collecting additional data. Please note, however, that we do not offer advice on legal aspects.

Who is this service for?
We provide consultation to researchers within the context of research and infrastructure projects, whose outputs benefit the social sciences (e.g., through publications, publicly available data, or validated measurement instruments). Unfortunately, we are unable to offer advice on bachelor's or master's theses.

What are the costs?
Short consultations, offered as a form of guidance for self-help, are free of charge. We are also happy to support you with more in-depth, fee-based consulting services. Further details can be found in our pricing overview.

Consultation fees

Cognitive pretesting
Empirically assess the comprehensibility and validity of questions in-depth

Sampling
We draw telephone samples and complex samples for you

Weighting and analysis of complex data
We perform weighting, imputation, or nonresponse bias analyses for you

GESIS survey guides
Practical guidelines on survey methodology topics

SQP - Survey quality predictor
Estimate the measurement quality of questions using meta-analysis

Meet the Experts - Season 1: Survey Methodology
Recorded lectures from our "Meet the Experts" series

QuestionLink
Harmonization of questions for selected constructs with recoding scripts and an R package for your own projects

Questionnaire design

Survey Design

Sample Design

Weighting and Missing Values

Harmonization

Survey design

Survey methodology consulting for survey design

Survey design

Survey implementation

Survey documentation

Collection of additional data

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