Introduction to Survey Methodology

Course Description

This lecture provides an overview over the theoretical and methodological principles of survey research. Most generally, the purpose of surveys is to describe populations based on data that is collected for a sample out of this population. The distinct steps in conducting surveys from sampling to questionnaire design are discussed from the viewpoint of potential errors that may occur when inferring population characteristics from surveys.

The lecture is supplemented with a tutorial in which the methods, models and strategies discussed is implemented with existing and simulated data using R, a free software environment for statistical computing and graphics. Successful completion of the lectures ‚Methoden der Empirischen Politik- und Verwaltungsforschung‘ and ‚Statistik I‘ (or equivalents) is required.

The aim of this course is to sensitize students for the problems of survey data and to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically conceptualize, evaluate and analyze sample-based surveys.

The lecture takes place on Thursday 11:45-13:15 in A 702, the tutorials take place on Wednesday 8:15-9:45 in G 420 (Laura Korte), and on Wednesday 11:45-13:15 in E 402 (Peter Selb).

This class is supported by DataCamp, an online interactive teaching and training platform for data science.