Survey Researchers :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Survey Researchers

Careers / Survey Researchers

Summary Description


	Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Consultant

2.	Field Interviewer

3.	Market Survey Representative

4.	Pollster

5.	Recruiter

6.	Research Assistant

7.	Research Associate

8.	Research Fellow

9.	Research Interviewer

10.	Research Methodologist

11.	Study Director

12.	Survey Analyst

13.	Survey Associate

14.	Survey Director

15.	Survey Methodologist

16.	Survey Operations Director

17.	Survey Questionnaire Designer

18.	Survey Research Analyst

19.	Survey Research Associate

20.	Survey Research Center Director

21.	Survey Research Manager

22.	Survey Researcher

23.	Survey Statistician

24.	Telephone Interviewer

Job Tasks

	Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys. Plan social sciences research. Direct scientific activities.

	Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys. Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

	Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples. Confer with clients to exchange information.

	Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews. Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

	Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data. Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

	Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials. Plan social sciences research.

	Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting. Prepare operational reports.

	Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.

	Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software. Conduct research on social issues.

	Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods. Plan social sciences research.

	Hire and train recruiters and data collectors. Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

	Conduct research to gather information about survey topics. Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

	Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis. Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior. Record research or operational data.

	Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Survey Researchers
	Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data. Surveys are used to collect factual data, such as employment and salary information, or to ask questions in order to understand people's opinions, preferences, beliefs, or desires.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Survey Researchers
	Most survey researchers work in research firms, polling organizations, nonprofits, corporations, colleges and universities, and government agencies. The majority work full time during regular business hours.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

Fewer than 13% of employed Americans are labor union members. 30 years ago, it was twice that rate.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Complete Test Package gives you access to all our renowned assessment tests for only $19.95!