6.3.2 - Survey administration
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Introduction to Survey Administration
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Today, we are going to explore how surveys are administered, especially in a household context. The enumerators are crucial here because they ensure that the data is collected accurately. Can anyone tell me why it’s important to train enumerators?
I think it's important so they can ask questions correctly and gather reliable data.
Exactly! Trained enumerators will improve the quality of our survey results. They need to understand the survey details and how to interact with different households. What do you think is the first step for an enumerator before conducting a survey?
They have to get permission from the household, right?
That's right, Student_2! Permission is critical as it respects individual privacy and ensures that households feel comfortable participating. Now, why do you think we might want to select a typical working day for these surveys?
Because that’s when people are most likely to be at home to answer questions!
Precisely! This maximizes our chances of getting accurate and comprehensive responses. Great job, everyone!
Methods of Survey Administration
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Now let's delve into the different methods we can use to administer our survey. Can anyone name one method?
Telephonic surveys! I've heard about those where the enumerator calls respondents.
Correct, Student_4! Telephonic surveys are popular, especially in places with good phone connectivity. How about a drawback of this method?
Maybe not everyone has a phone or is available to answer when called?
That's a valid point. Some people may miss the calls or have no access to phone services. What about mail-back surveys? What’s key in designing these?
The questionnaire must be easy to understand so respondents know how to fill it out.
Exactly! If it's not straightforward, we will end up with incomplete data. Lastly, face-to-face surveys might not be welcome everywhere. Why do you think that is?
Because some people might see it as an invasion of privacy?
Yes, that's correct! However, it can be effective, especially with less educated populations who might prefer direct interaction.
Importance of Accurate Surveying
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Finally, let’s talk about why we need accurate survey responses. Why do you think the details given by each household member are important?
Because it helps to accurately map out travel patterns for planning transportation!
Exactly! Understanding the travel behavior of individuals helps in making informed decisions regarding transportation planning. What might happen if a household doesn’t provide accurate details?
It could lead to bad planning and resources being allocated poorly.
Right! This is why clarifying the member’s travel details is essential—except for young children, where we might skip their travel details. Can anyone remind me how we handle questions about children's travel?
We just don’t include children under 5 years in the survey, right?
Exactly! Great recall, Student_1. Accuracy is paramount in our surveys as it affects overall transportation system effectiveness.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines the administration of household surveys, detailing the training required for enumerators, the need for permission before surveying households, and the various methods used to conduct surveys, such as telephonic, mail-back, and face-to-face approaches.
Detailed
Survey Administration
Once the questionnaire is finalized, the next critical step is conducting the household survey. This requires trained enumerators who must grasp the survey's details and implementation strategies. Initially, enumerators are assigned random household addresses from which they request permission to survey. The survey is ideally conducted on a typical working day, and household members are asked about their travel details, noting that responses should be provided by individuals concerning their own trips, while children's details under age 12 are collected with assistance. The survey typically focuses on travel details from the previous day.
Various methods for administering the survey include:
- Telephonic Surveys: Enumerators set up appointments and conduct the survey over the phone. This method is notably effective in areas with high telephone accessibility.
- Mail-Back Surveys: Questionnaires are delivered to respondents who complete them and send them back. The questionnaire must be designed for self-explanatory use.
- Face-to-Face Surveys: Enumerators visit homes, asking questions directly and recording responses. While this method may be viewed unfavorably in developed countries due to privacy concerns, it is often effective in regions with lower education levels.
In summary, effective survey administration is vital for collecting accurate household travel data, guiding transportation project evaluations.
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Introduction to Survey Administration
Chapter 1 of 10
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Chapter Content
Once the questionnaire is ready, the next step is to conduct the actual survey with the help of enumerators.
Detailed Explanation
After preparing the questionnaire, the next crucial step in collecting household data is the actual execution of the survey. This involves training individuals known as enumerators, who will administer the survey. Enumerators are responsible for reaching out to households and gathering the needed information as outlined in the questionnaire.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine preparing for a big school project. Once you've created your survey questions, you need a team to go out and collect responses from students. Just like how you would brief your team about the project, enumerators receive training on how to conduct the survey properly.
Training of Enumerators
Chapter 2 of 10
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Chapter Content
Enumerators has to be trained first by briefing them about the details of the survey and how to conduct the survey.
Detailed Explanation
Training the enumerators is essential for ensuring they understand the survey's objectives and procedures. They need to learn how to approach households, explain the survey purpose, and fill out the questionnaire accurately. This training helps them handle any questions or concerns respondents might have.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like training for a sports team. Just as players must practice and understand the game rules before competing, enumerators must be prepared to effectively carry out the survey before they begin interacting with the public.
Conducting the Survey
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Chapter Content
They will be given random household addresses and the questionnaire set. They have to first get permission to be surveyed from the household.
Detailed Explanation
Once trained, enumerators receive a list of randomly selected addresses to visit. Before starting the survey, they must obtain permission from the household members to conduct it. This respect for privacy is crucial in building trust and ensuring participation.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're part of a school project where you need to interview classmates. You would first ask if they are willing to be interviewed and explain what it’s about. Similarly, enumerators must seek consent before proceeding with the survey.
Selecting the Survey Day
Chapter 4 of 10
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Chapter Content
They may select a typical working day for the survey and ask the members of the household about the details required in the questionnaire.
Detailed Explanation
Enumerators usually opt for a typical weekday to ensure that they gather realistic data about travel behavior. They ask household members about their travel activities from the previous day. This helps in capturing accurate travel patterns.
Examples & Analogies
If you were collecting data on how students commute to school, it makes sense to survey them on a regular school day rather than during holiday breaks. This ensures the information reflects their usual travel habits.
Answering for Household Members
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Chapter Content
They may take care that each member of the household should answer about their own travel details, except for children below 12 years.
Detailed Explanation
Each household member, particularly those older than twelve, is encouraged to provide their own travel information. This ensures that the data accurately represents individual travel choices. However, for very young children, these details are generally omitted or handled by the parent or guardian.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like completing a family survey where everyone, except very young children, shares their food preferences. Parents represent younger kids, but their older siblings express their choices directly.
Respondent's Travel Reflection
Chapter 6 of 10
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Chapter Content
Since the actual survey may take place any time during the day, the respondents are required to answer the question about the travel details of the previous day.
Detailed Explanation
While surveys can occur at different times, the respondents are asked to recall their travel activities from the previous day. This period is commonly used to ensure accurate reporting of trips made, as individuals often may better remember recent travel compared to trips taken several days prior.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how you might reflect on your meals from yesterday when asked, rather than trying to remember what you ate last week. The same applies when recalling travel; recent journeys are typically easier to remember.
Survey Administration Methods
Chapter 7 of 10
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Chapter Content
There are many methods of the administration of the survey and some of them are discussed below:
Detailed Explanation
The survey can be conducted using various methods, including telephonic interviews, mail-back questionnaires, and face-to-face conversations. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice often depends on factors like accessibility and social norms.
Examples & Analogies
Think of different ways to ask a friend to borrow a book. You could call them, send them a text message, or visit them in person. Each method has its benefits, and choosing the right one can affect how willing they are to lend you the book.
Telephonic Surveys
Chapter 8 of 10
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- Telephonic: The enumerator may use telephone to fix an appointment and then conduct detailed telephonic interview.
Detailed Explanation
In this method, enumerators use the telephone to set up appointments for interviews. This approach is particularly popular in regions with high telephone usage, allowing for greater convenience and flexibility.
Examples & Analogies
It's like making an appointment with your teacher to discuss your grades over the phone. It allows for a more personal touch and can be done conveniently from home.
Mail-back Surveys
Chapter 9 of 10
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Chapter Content
- Mail back: The enumerator drops the questionnaire to the respondent and asks them to fill the details and mail them back with required information.
Detailed Explanation
In a mail-back survey, enumerators send the questionnaire to respondents, who fill it out at their own convenience and return it through the mail. This method requires careful questionnaire design to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.
Examples & Analogies
It’s like sending a birthday invitation. You expect your friends to fill out a response card and mail it back to confirm their attendance. The ease of filling it out at home can encourage them to respond.
Face-to-face Surveys
Chapter 10 of 10
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Chapter Content
- Face-to-face: In this method, the enumerator visits the home of the respondent and asks the questions and fills up the questionnaire by himself.
Detailed Explanation
In face-to-face surveys, enumerators directly visit households to conduct interviews. While this method may be seen as intrusive in developed areas, it is often effective in securing responses from less educated populations where personal interaction is valued.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how a classmate might approach you to ask questions about a group project in person—this direct interaction can often lead to more thorough understanding and engagement.
Key Concepts
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Survey Administration: The process of conducting surveys, including methods and training enumerators.
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Enumerators: Trained individuals who collect data by administering surveys to households.
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Telephonic Surveys: A method of conducting a survey conducted via phone, efficient in areas with high connectivity.
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Mail-Back Surveys: A method where questionnaires are sent to respondents for them to fill out.
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Face-to-Face Surveys: Surveys conducted personally, allowing for direct data collection.
Examples & Applications
If a survey is conducted telephonically, enumerators can record answers instantly and clarify misunderstandings on the spot.
In a mail-back survey, a family receives a questionnaire, fills it out at their convenience, and mails it back within a designated timeframe.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When surveys call or send writes, make sure the data shines bright.
Stories
Once upon a time, in a town where surveys were shy, a brave enumerator went knocking, asking questions as the sun passed high. She learned that each answer was like a key, unlocking the travel tales of each tiny community.
Memory Tools
T-M-F: Think Method First: Telephonic, Mail-back, Face-to-Face are key methods for our survey.
Acronyms
E-Survey
for Enumerators
for Structured data
to help with accurate travel surveying.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Enumerators
Individuals trained to collect survey data by administering questionnaires to selected households.
- Survey Administration
The process of conducting a survey, including training enumerators and employing various methods to gather data.
- Telephonic Surveys
Surveys conducted via telephone calls to respondents, typically to gather data remotely.
- MailBack Surveys
Questionnaires sent to respondents to be completed and returned by mail.
- FacetoFace Surveys
Surveys conducted in person, where enumerators visit respondents' homes to collect data.
Reference links
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