Research and Survey Checklist
Research is important because it helps us expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Through research, we can answer questions, solve problems, and inform how we advocate for our community. To ensure we’re able to accomplish these aims, we must first develop our research project and survey instrument.
Before launching your survey or sending it to the Strategic Analytics, Assessment & Institutional Research Office (STAIR), use this checklist to determine where you are in the process of developing your research project. This checklist is an overview of the process for developing a research project for review by the STAIR Office. More detailed information on any of the steps can be found by clicking through to the linked page.
Phase 1: Planning your research project
- I have identified my research topics and have developed specific research questions.
- I have identified my audience for my findings and how I intend to use my data.
- I have determined a plan to analyze my data and know the types of data I need to collect.
- I have identified my target population I will draw my sample from and have strategies for respondent recruitment.
Phase 2: Developing your survey
- I have identified items for my survey from previously validated/used scales where possible.
- I have adapted or created new items using best practices for survey item development.
- I have made sure my survey is concise and well-organized.
Phase 3: Piloting and testing your survey
- I have had at least one person not associated with my project read over my survey and provide feedback.
- I have pilot tested my survey with at least 5 people and given them opportunities to provide feedback.
- I have incorporated feedback from the previous steps into my survey.
Data Request
If you are a member of the Clark community, you may complete our Data Request We ask that you give us as much advance notice as possible (i.e., 2–4 weeks).
Members of the Clark community also can view the Factbook to answer common questions, such as: How many students have majored in my program over the past five years? How many faculty members does my department have?
Contact us with any questions.
