First of all, survey research is a quantitative research method-you need training that will make you comfortable using and understanding data.
The exact focus can be quite diverse-social science fields like Political Science, Sociology, and Economics provide a variety of opportunities to use public opinion survey measurements. Marketing research classes in business schools use survey data to study consumers. Journalists are perhaps the fastest growing sector in the polling community-all of the major national media are involved in survey data collection so they may better serve their readers or viewers.
Here are some ideas for educational options that will prepare you for a position in survey research:
Undergraduate Study to Prepare for a Survey Research Career
Schools offering undergraduate as well as graduate degrees often have a survey research center affiliated with them. Working at one of these centers would give you an excellent introduction into the field of survey research.
When selecting undergraduate courses consider taking Research Methods or Survey Methodology classes. Many social science departments offer them at the undergraduate level. This will provide you an overview of various ways that research is collected, including the use of surveys. Introductory Statistics courses will also provide a broader comfort zone for working with data.
Graduate Studies Programs in Survey Research
There are some schools that offer a Master's degree or Specialization in the field of survey research. Among them are:
Summer Internships
- The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press is offering a paid internship opportunity during the summer of 2012 for undergraduate
students entering their senior year, recent college graduates, or graduate level students with an interest in political polling or survey research.
The summer intern will be expected to assist the research team on various aspects of the survey process, including questionnaire development,
data management, statistical analysis, reporting of survey results and quality control. For all of these tasks, attention to detail and individual
judgment are critical in maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality. For more information about the position and how to apply, see
http://pewresearch.org/docs/?DocID=10018.
- ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research provides a comprehensive, integrated program of studies in research design,
statistics, data analysis, and social science methodology. Its instructional environment stresses integration of methods of quantitative analysis
within a broader context of substantive social research. Instruction is grounded in interactive, participatory data-analysis utilizing high-end,
networked microcomputers. For more information about the program and how to register, see http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/sumprog/
Professional organizations that can provide you with information about the field include:
- AAPOR: The American Association for Public Opinion Research is the professional organization of the industry, and the membership crosses over the academic, commercial and government sectors. Regional chapters provide a local network of colleagues and local conferences. Regions represented by these chapters include: New York, Pacific, Midwest, Washington DC, New England, New Jersey, and South.
- ASA: American Statistical Association The Survey Methods Section of the ASA offers a brochure titled: What Is a Survey? that describes how surveys are conducted.
- CASRO: The Council of American Survey Research Organizations
- COPAFS: Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics
- COSSA: Consortium of Social Science Associations
- ESOMAR: The World Association of Research Professionals
- MRA: Marketing Research Association
- NCPP: The National Council on Public Polls
- WAPOR: The World Association for Public Opinion Research
For more tips on a career in survey research, visit: http://www.bookrags.com/research/opinion-polling-careers-in-eci-02/
For further information please contact The Roper Center at 860.486.4440 or rcweb@ropercenter.uconn.edu.
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