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	The Practice of Survey Design and Implementation

Summer School in Social Sciences Methods

18-22 August 2025 (in-person)


	Ready to design and implement state-of-the-art social science surveys? This brand new, hands-on workshop offers first-hand insights from experts with experience on major international survey projects like the European Social Survey and the European Values Study!

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👨‍🏫 Lecturers: Michael Ochsner, Alexandre Pollien and Michèle Ernst Stähli from FORS, the Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences
➡️ In this practical course, you will learn:
🤔 What types of research questions are best answered by surveys and the different survey modes available.
✍️ How to translate your research questions into effective and unbiased survey questions and scales.
🌍 Crucial considerations for cross-cultural and cross-language survey design and translation (including the TRAPD approach!).
🧪 The importance of testing your questions and surveys through qualitative and quantitative pre-tests.
⚙️ Best practices for fieldwork design, layout, invitations, and effective monitoring.
💾 The essential steps in dataset production, including data preparation, de-identification, and documentation for publication.
🛡️ How to navigate data protection regulations and understand sampling strategies for representative surveys.
🛠️ A practical toolbox to anticipate and overcome the common pitfalls of survey projects.

This workshop uniquely integrates methodological and substantive research questions, walking you through the entire lifecycle of a survey project from initial idea to data publication. Bring your own survey ideas to work on during group exercises!

📚 Key topics include: Introduction to Surveys, Survey Questions, Cross-cultural & Cross-language Issues, Testing & Fieldwork, and Dataset Production.

⚠️ Prerequisites: A basic understanding of quantitative social research using survey data and the concept of probability is helpful. All levels of expertise are welcome!

Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to gain the practical skills and insights needed to confidently design and implement your own successful scientific survey projects!

➡️ Learn more and register today!