HDFS 580

Credit: 4 hours.

Leads students to understand best practices related to survey research methodology, including study design and instrument development. It provides a foundation in survey methods to inform future survey work. During this course, students will design a survey study. We will cover the significant decisions and alternatives considered by a researcher who wants to design and implement a survey that accurately represents a particular population's characteristics and behavior. Topics common to surveys include sample design, respondent recruitment, response rates, data collection methods (in-person or telephone interviews, computer-assisted interviews, or mail surveys), instrument construction, and potential sources (respondent and interviewer) of bias. Reaching hard-to-reach populations will be considered throughout. For this course, working knowledge of research methods (e.g., introductory research methods graduate-level course) is essential, as is the ability to analyze existing research studies critically. The methods, strategies, and techniques learned in this course will apply to many disciplines (e.g., HDFS, public health, social work, education, business, social and human sciences) and provide a broad base of knowledge to grow through more advanced coursework and internships.

4 graduate hours. 4 professional hours. Prerequisite: One previous course in graduate level research methods.