Introduction to Survey Research (Federico Caniato)

Summary

This course introduces survey research methodology, focusing on its application for gathering structured data from large samples. It explores key considerations for choosing survey research, such as population size, preliminary knowledge, and data types. Using the International Purchasing Survey (IPS) project as an example, the course demonstrates both exploratory and explanatory survey types. It also covers distinctions between cross-sectional and longitudinal research. The IPS project, launched in 2007, is used to illustrate the real-world use of survey research for studying complex global phenomena, with a focus on Purchasing and Supply Management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Survey research is a powerful methodology for collecting large amounts of structured data from broad samples, commonly used in Master or PhD theses and research projects.
• 😀 Although effective, survey research requires significant effort and time, so it's essential to adopt the method for the right purpose to maximize its benefits.
• 😀 Key questions to consider before conducting survey research include: how many individuals or organizations to study, how much preliminary knowledge exists, and what type of data is needed.
• 😀 Survey research is appropriate when studying large populations, having enough prior knowledge to ask precise questions, and collecting structured data for statistical analysis.
• 😀 If survey research is not suitable, other methods like case studies may be more appropriate based on the research goals.
• 😀 The International Purchasing Survey (IPS) is a real-world example of survey research, launched in 2007 to investigate Purchasing and Supply Management on an international scale.
• 😀 IPS aims to study a critical business function, purchasing, which impacts up to 80% of company revenues, and focuses on a strategic area of increasing relevance.
• 😀 The IPS project initially addressed the underdeveloped field of research in Purchasing and Supply Management and contributed to theory testing and generalization.
• 😀 Survey research can be exploratory, aiming to understand the diffusion of a phenomenon without hypotheses, or explanatory, aiming to test theories and relationships between variables.
• 😀 The IPS project is an example of explanatory survey research, as it tests theories and investigates complex relationships among multiple variables in the Purchasing field.
• 😀 Another key distinction in survey research is between cross-sectional (one-time data collection) and longitudinal (multiple time points) research, with IPS evolving from a cross-sectional to a longitudinal project over time.

Q & A

What is survey research methodology?

Survey research methodology is a method used to collect structured data from a large group of respondents. It is commonly used for academic research, including master’s and PhD theses, and helps researchers gather reliable data for analysis.

Why is survey research considered powerful?

Survey research is powerful because it allows researchers to collect large amounts of data from a diverse sample, which can provide valuable insights and help in testing theories or exploring new phenomena.

What are some challenges associated with survey research?

Survey research can be time-consuming and requires significant effort. Designing and administering a survey properly is essential to ensure the research is conducted efficiently and effectively, maximizing its benefits.

What key questions should researchers ask when deciding whether to use survey research?

Researchers should ask: How many individuals or organizations do they want to study? How much preliminary knowledge do they have? What type of data are they looking for? These questions help determine if survey research is the right approach.

When is survey research the right method to use?

Survey research is the right method when you want to study a large sample, have enough prior knowledge to form clear questions, and seek structured data for statistical analysis.

What is the International Purchasing Survey (IPS), and why is it a good example of survey research?

The IPS is an international research project started in 2007 by the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with other universities. It is a good example because it demonstrates the application of survey research to investigate Purchasing and Supply Management, a strategic area for many companies worldwide.

What type of survey research does the IPS project represent?

The IPS project represents explanatory survey research, as it aims to test relationships between variables and theories related to Purchasing and Supply Management.

What is the difference between exploratory and explanatory survey research?

Exploratory survey research aims to describe a phenomenon and does not require hypotheses. It is typically used for early-stage research. Explanatory survey research, on the other hand, seeks to test relationships between variables, typically to explain complex phenomena, and requires hypotheses to be tested.

What is the distinction between cross-sectional and longitudinal survey research?

Cross-sectional survey research collects data at a single point in time from different respondents, providing a snapshot of a phenomenon. Longitudinal survey research collects data at multiple points in time from the same respondents, allowing researchers to track changes and developments over time.

How did the IPS project evolve over time in terms of survey type?

The IPS project started as a cross-sectional survey, collecting data at a single point in time. However, it later evolved into a longitudinal project, collecting data over multiple time points to observe the development of the phenomenon.