Survey Research Designs

This course explores the principles and methods of survey research, emphasizing the two main survey designs: cross-sectional and longitudinal designs.

No Certificate / Course on Audit Track

About Course

This course on Survey Research Designs introduces learners to the fundamentals of survey methodology and its role in collecting reliable data for research. It covers the purpose, benefits, and real-world applications of survey research, along with different survey types such as online, face-to-face, telephone, and mail surveys. The course also explores cross-sectional research designs, highlighting their key characteristics, advantages, and limitations. In addition, learners are introduced to longitudinal survey designs and how they are used to study changes over time. Overall, it builds a strong foundation for understanding how survey-based research is designed, implemented, and interpreted.

Authorship and Attribution

This course has been curated by Riphah International University faculty and staff using publicly available third-party content and Open Educational Resources (OER) for self-paced learning. Learners will engage with curated open-access materials to achieve the course learning outcomes. All third-party content is used under open-access or fair-use policies, while any original materials are developed specifically for this learning experience.

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: The Cognitive Psychologist
  • Provider: YouTube (@thecognitivepsychologist)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: Helpful Professor Explains!
  • Provider: YouTube (@helpfulprofessorexplains)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

Source and Credits:

  • Instructor: Elon University Poll
  • Provider: YouTube (@elonpoll)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Understand and explain the principles of survey research, including its purpose, methods, and ethical considerations. 
  • Differentiate between cross-sectional and longitudinal survey designs and their appropriate applications. 
  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different survey designs in addressing research questions.

Prerequisites

To be successful in this course, 

you should have a background in basic research methods, introductory statistics, and familiarity with social science or behavioral research concepts. Prior exposure to data collection techniques and questionnaire design will also help you engage fully with survey research topics.

Who Can Take This Course?

This course is for students and professionals in social sciences, business, public policy, or related fields who want to gain a solid understanding of survey research. Learners will explore the principles, purposes, methods, and ethical considerations of surveys, differentiate between cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, and evaluate the strengths and limitations of these designs in addressing research questions.

Course Outline

Course Overview

Course Introduction (Reading)

Introduction to Survey Research

Survey Research: Purpose, Benefits, and Applications (Video)

Types of Surveys (Online, Face-to-Face, Telephone, Mail) (Video)

Introduction to Cross-Sectional Research Design

Cross-Sectional Research Design: Characteristics, Advantages, and Limitations (Video)

Introduction to Longitudinal Survey Design

Longitudinal Survey Design: Characteristics, Advantages, and Limitations (Video)

Practice Quiz

MCQs (Problem)

Wrap-up

Summary (Reading)

Skills You Will Gain

Survey Design Skills Questionnaire Development Data Collection Methods Cross-Sectional Analysis Longitudinal Research Understanding Sampling Techniques Basics Survey Data Interpretation Research Method Application

Course Information

Duration

Approximately 1.2 Hours

Course Information

Difficulty Level

Beginner

Learning Mode

Fully Online (Asynchronous)

Learning Type

Self Paced

Language

English Only

Instructor/Curator

Course Instructor
  • Urooj Tara profile image
    Urooj Tara Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities (FSSH)