Module 1: Foundations of Survey Research and Total Survey Error

·       Definition and role of surveys in research and decision-making

·       The concept of Total Survey Error (TSE): Components and trade-offs

·       Key survey concepts: Target population, sampling frame, and unit of analysis

·       Ethical principles in survey research: Confidentiality and participant burden

·       The five stages of the survey lifecycle: Design to dissemination

·       Practical session: Analyzing a survey case study and identifying potential sources of bias across the TSE framework.

Module 2: Survey Design Process and Questionnaire Development

·       Translating research objectives into measurable survey questions

·       The functional elements of a questionnaire: Introduction, body, and conclusion

·       Ordering of questions: Psychological flow and minimizing context effects

·       Utilizing filter questions and skip logic for efficient questionnaire routing

·       Determining the length and mode-suitability of the questionnaire

·       Practical session: Developing a structured outline and question flow map (including skip logic) for a new organizational survey.

Module 3: Crafting Effective Survey Questions and Response Formats

·       Principles of writing clear, unambiguous, and simple questions

·       Avoiding common pitfalls: Double-barreled, leading, and emotionally charged questions

·       Types of response formats: Open-ended, closed-ended, and scales

·       Designing effective rating scales (e.g., Likert, semantic differential): Number of points and balance

·       Best practices for "Don't Know" and "Not Applicable" response options

·       Practical session: Reviewing and editing a set of badly worded questions, and converting open-ended questions into measurable closed-ended items.

Module 4: Sampling Methods and Coverage Error

·       Introduction to Coverage Error: Defining and assessing the quality of the sampling frame

·       Probability sampling methods: Simple Random, Stratified, Systematic, and Cluster sampling

·       Non-probability sampling methods: Convenience, Quota, and Purposive sampling and their limitations

·       Determining the optimal sample size and margin of error for descriptive statistics

·       Practical techniques for drawing and managing a sample list

·       Practical session: Calculating the minimum required sample size for an intended margin of error and selecting a sample using stratified random sampling.

Module 5: Modes of Data Collection and Administration

·       Overview of major modes: Face-to-Face (CAPI), Telephone (CATI), Mail (PAPI), and Web surveys

·       Trade-offs between modes: Cost, speed, response rates, and data quality

·       Optimizing web survey design: Layout, navigation, and device responsiveness

·       Developing effective interviewer training protocols for CAPI/CATI methods

·       Managing mixed-mode surveys to maximize response and coverage

·       Practical session: Designing the introductory text and landing page layout for a new web-based employee satisfaction survey.

Module 6: Measurement Error: Validity and Reliability

·       Sources of Measurement Error: Interviewer effects, respondent memory, and instrument design

·       Defining Validity: Content, construct, and criterion validity

·       Defining Reliability: Test-retest, inter-rater, and internal consistency (e.g., Cronbach's Alpha)

·       Question placement effects and mitigating context bias in the questionnaire

·       Using cognitive burden reduction techniques in question design

·       Practical session: Calculating and interpreting Cronbach's Alpha for a simulated multi-item scale and assessing its internal consistency.

Module 7: Pre-testing, Cognitive Interviews, and Pilot Studies

·       The crucial role of pre-testing in the survey development process

·       Methods of pre-testing: Conventional field pre-tests and behavioral coding

·       Conducting Cognitive Interviews: Techniques for probing respondent comprehension and recall

·       The purpose and execution of a full-scale pilot study

·       Utilizing pre-test results to finalize the questionnaire and refine field procedures

·       Practical session: Conducting a short mock cognitive interview with a partner, focusing on how a respondent interprets and answers a specific complex question.

Module 8: Data Processing, Cleaning, and Ethical Considerations

·       Protocols for data entry, storage, and secure transfer

·       Developing data cleaning rules: Identifying and handling outliers and impossible values

·       Coding open-ended responses: Developing a codebook and ensuring inter-coder reliability

·       The importance of metadata and systematic documentation of the data file

·       Data anonymization techniques and compliance with research ethics

·       Practical session: Applying a set of cleaning rules to a raw dataset to identify outliers and correct for logical inconsistencies.

Module 9: Non-response and Weighting Adjustments

·       Types of Non-response: Unit non-response and item non-response

·       Strategies for maximizing response rates in different survey modes

·       Sources of Non-response Bias: When non-respondents differ systematically from respondents

·       Introduction to Weighting Adjustments: Defining base weights and non-response adjustment factors

·       Post-stratification and calibration techniques to align samples with known population totals

·       Practical session: Calculating non-response adjustment weights using a simulated dataset with known population demographics.

Module 10: Survey Data Analysis and Reporting Findings

·       Descriptive analysis: Frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations

·       Inferential analysis: Utilizing chi-square tests, t-tests, and correlation for hypothesis testing

·       Interpreting and clearly communicating the margin of error

·       Structuring the final survey report: Executive summary, methodology, and findings

·       Best practices for data visualization and avoiding misleading charts/graphs

·       Practical session: Analyzing key variables from a provided survey dataset and drafting the core "Findings" section of a survey report.

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588