Surveys are a great way to gather large amounts of both quantitative and qualitative data about a population, but they be challenging to compose and attract participants. Be sure to consider the following when planning surveys.

• Identify the target population based on the intended uses of the survey results and the research issues that motivate the survey. The groups that are of interest to you should be well defined. Think about quality versus quantity. Spend time carefully selecting the participants instead of trying to survey all possible individuals.
• Clearly define the problem to be investigated by identifying large categories of issues then suggest increasingly specific issues within those categories.
• Reviewing previous research can be helpful in planning a new survey. Study survey formats, types of questions asked, and how questions are worded.
• The survey development process will begin with basic research questions before writing the questions that make up the instrument. The way questions are phrased could influence the types of answers received. You want to write your questions using simple vocabulary and avoid using jargon. If it is necessary to use specialized terms, provide definitions for those terms on the survey instrument. Also, provide reference points or prompts when writing questions that require participants to recall events or other information.
• The length of the survey directly correlates with the participation in a survey (the shorter the better). You want to present all respondents with questions that they interpret and understand in exactly the same way.
• There is more than one way in which data can be collected. You will want to determine the method that is most appropriate for your budget and the sample population you wish to reach: email, web-based surveys, paper-based surveys, and face-to-face surveys.
• Remember to include demographic questions.
• Consider using the survey to recruit a group of participants for interviews in order to build upon findings from your data that need further investigation.
• Pilot the survey with representatives from the population(s) you wish to target.
• Online tools like Survey Monkey and Google Forms are handy for capturing survey data.
• IRB approval is necessary when working with human subjects. Work with your institution to apply for the appropriate IRB exemptions and/or approval before working with any participants.