Notes and tips on surveys

A survey is a research tool that gathers information from a relatively large sample of people to help provide inferences about a wider population. To ensure data gathered from this type of research are reliable and of quality, researchers are required to ensure that systematic and thoughtful planning is given to the design, delivery and reporting of the survey. While there is no universal standard for best practice, there are certain steps that should be followed when sampling, designing and reporting the results. This chapter introduces the reader to survey research and offers guidance on the design of a survey, the sampling and recruitment process and the ethical considerations. The chapter also briefly describes how researchers can best report their results in health and physical activity research.