The University Center for Survey Research
conducts self-administered surveys that are mailed to respondents
and then returned for data collection. Following industry
best-practices standards including Dillman’s Total
Design Methods, USCR research scientists design survey questionnaires
to address the needs of our clients and to meet stringent
validity and reliability requirements.
USCR computer software and hardware allows for individually
tailored questionnaires, cover letters and envelops, and
initials questionnaire mailings are succeeded by two follow-up
mailings.
Upon return of the questionnaire from the respondent, data
are collected in one of two ways. Data can be taken from
the questionnaire and entered into one of the 18 polling
stations. Highly trained data entry operators enter data
into a computer assisted by Ci3 software. This software
assists with error checking—allowing for rapid and
accurate data entry. Double-entry and paired-operator-entry
techniques can also be employed to meet the client’s
specific needs.
The USCR also houses a high-volume scanner for survey projects.
Research scientists at the UCSR can design surveys to be
scanned upon completion and return. The Remark Office OMR
5 scanner allows for single and double-sided scanning, and
can read bubbles, check boxes, and bar codes.
Data from mail surveys can be provided to the client in
a number of ways. These include reports, charts and graphs,
and/or more than 30 formats such as Access, Excel, SPSS,
dBase, ASCII, HTML and pdf.
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