QUESTION #1:
Surveys, polls, and samples are all essential components when collecting data for a specific research project. If conducted properly, survey results can complement the researchers theoretical framework, which in turn, can reveal new findings or bring forth further discussion. Survey research is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research and can be utilized in political science in many ways. A survey is a data collection tool used to gather information about individuals; furthermore, surveys may focus on factual information such as demographics or it may aim to obtain the opinion of the survey takers such as their opinion on which presidential candidate is best fit. In survey research, the researchers …show more content…
More specifically, surveys are conducted in the discipline of political science and/or politics in order to determine voter outcome during elections, determine the demographic of voters during elections to reveal which individuals had a greater voter turnout, and policy formation/ decision making. When attempting to determine voter outcome amongst citizens, surveys can make these determinations much more accurate. A political survey can capture the magnitude of public support and track changes in public opinion as the election continues. Nevertheless, recurrent surveys can be invaluable to candidates wanting to avoid changes in public opinion. As a result, political candidates will be better positioned and know where they should adjust. Generally after elections surveys play a very important role in determining which group had the greatest voter turnout. For example, a study done on the Morgan State University campus revealed that about 64% of students (+/-) did not vote this past election. A political survey can help gauge the reception to a particular stance. Therefore, political research surveys are the only way politicians can ensure their decision are aligned with the wants and needs of their …show more content…
The first preliminary factor to consider is the amount of resources or funding is available to carry out the survey and evaluate the survey results. Knowing that the Political Research Associates is being offered $1.5 million to conduct the survey allows survey-makers to gauge the number of people will be able to take the survey, in addition to other things such as if incentives are an option. The second step to consider is the methods to execute or carry out the survey. The options for this step are endless because surveys can be administered through the phone, on-foot self administration, via postal mail, or utilizing the internet. All survey methods come with their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, surveys via phone are effective because a direct and immediate response is given; however, people are becoming more difficult to be reached. Surveys via mailing are the most difficult to administer because buying stamps, paper, and return envelopes can be expensive and are rarely returned. The third preliminary factor to consider involves determining what exactly the polls are looking for. This step involves making note of the subject/purpose of the survey and the expected outcomes. Step 4-6 consists of considering a target population, designing inclusions and exclusion criteria, and therefore determining a sample. These steps are sometimes made simpler by
Surveys, polls, and samples are all essential components when collecting data for a specific research project. If conducted properly, survey results can complement the researchers theoretical framework, which in turn, can reveal new findings or bring forth further discussion. Survey research is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research and can be utilized in political science in many ways. A survey is a data collection tool used to gather information about individuals; furthermore, surveys may focus on factual information such as demographics or it may aim to obtain the opinion of the survey takers such as their opinion on which presidential candidate is best fit. In survey research, the researchers …show more content…
More specifically, surveys are conducted in the discipline of political science and/or politics in order to determine voter outcome during elections, determine the demographic of voters during elections to reveal which individuals had a greater voter turnout, and policy formation/ decision making. When attempting to determine voter outcome amongst citizens, surveys can make these determinations much more accurate. A political survey can capture the magnitude of public support and track changes in public opinion as the election continues. Nevertheless, recurrent surveys can be invaluable to candidates wanting to avoid changes in public opinion. As a result, political candidates will be better positioned and know where they should adjust. Generally after elections surveys play a very important role in determining which group had the greatest voter turnout. For example, a study done on the Morgan State University campus revealed that about 64% of students (+/-) did not vote this past election. A political survey can help gauge the reception to a particular stance. Therefore, political research surveys are the only way politicians can ensure their decision are aligned with the wants and needs of their …show more content…
The first preliminary factor to consider is the amount of resources or funding is available to carry out the survey and evaluate the survey results. Knowing that the Political Research Associates is being offered $1.5 million to conduct the survey allows survey-makers to gauge the number of people will be able to take the survey, in addition to other things such as if incentives are an option. The second step to consider is the methods to execute or carry out the survey. The options for this step are endless because surveys can be administered through the phone, on-foot self administration, via postal mail, or utilizing the internet. All survey methods come with their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, surveys via phone are effective because a direct and immediate response is given; however, people are becoming more difficult to be reached. Surveys via mailing are the most difficult to administer because buying stamps, paper, and return envelopes can be expensive and are rarely returned. The third preliminary factor to consider involves determining what exactly the polls are looking for. This step involves making note of the subject/purpose of the survey and the expected outcomes. Step 4-6 consists of considering a target population, designing inclusions and exclusion criteria, and therefore determining a sample. These steps are sometimes made simpler by