Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research

Int J Qual Health Care. 2003 Jun;15(3):261-6. doi: 10.1093/intqhc/mzg031.

Abstract

Survey research is sometimes regarded as an easy research approach. However, as with any other research approach and method, it is easy to conduct a survey of poor quality rather than one of high quality and real value. This paper provides a checklist of good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. Its purpose is to assist the novice researcher to produce survey work to a high standard, meaning a standard at which the results will be regarded as credible. The paper first provides an overview of the approach and then guides the reader step-by-step through the processes of data collection, data analysis, and reporting. It is not intended to provide a manual of how to conduct a survey, but rather to identify common pitfalls and oversights to be avoided by researchers if their work is to be valid and credible.

MeSH terms

  • Data Collection / standards
  • Health Care Surveys / methods*
  • Quality Control*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design / standards*
  • United Kingdom