TO: Journalism Students
FROM: Ms. G
RE: How to conduct a survey
DATE: May 10, 2011
______________________________________
Please find enclosed 80 copies of the surveys you created. Please ask strangers and friends to complete
it. Be sure to follow the guidelines.
- NEVER distribute a survey during
class without your teacher’s direct permission. This is
distracting and unprofessional. If
I hear from a teacher that you did this, I will deduct points from your
survey grade.
- Find
students in the cafeteria, the library, the commons, the halls, waiting
for the bus.
- Carry
extra pencils and pens in case the potential responder does not have a
writing utensil. Don’t let that one
slip away!
- Approach
students cordially and professionally. Say something like, “Excuse me, but would
you be willing to take a survey on ____? It’s for my journalism research project.”
- Assure
students that the survey is anonymous unless they choose to provide their
name. Actively seek out potential
interviewees.
- Indicate
that your final piece may be published.
- Never leave a survey with strangers.
Wait until they have completed it
and collect it.
- If
your survey requires special instructions, be clear in your directions
before you administer the survey.
- Check
to see that they have completed all questions and both sides of the
survey. Your results may be compromised if they don’t.
- Behave
seriously and they will do their best; goof around and they will give you
absurd responses.
- Always
thank those who participated.