BRWN-010064 - Designing Surveys for More Responses and Better Data
Preferred registration deadline: October 2nd
3 CEs
Surveys are one of the most widely used tools for gathering feedback and information from clients, staff, partners, and other stakeholders. However, poorly designed surveys can lead to low response rates, confusing results, and missed opportunities for learning and improvement. This interactive workshop will help participants create surveys that are clear, engaging, and capable of producing meaningful, actionable data.
Participants will explore when surveys are the most appropriate data collection method and when alternative approaches may be more effective. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to write clear, unbiased questions, develop response options that yield useful information, and organize surveys in ways that improve readability and respondent experience. The workshop will also cover practical strategies for increasing participation, reducing survey fatigue, and improving data quality. By the end of the session, participants will have the knowledge and tools needed to design surveys that generate stronger responses and support informed decision-making.
This is an interactive synchronous distance learning course via Zoom.
General Admission: $65**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.
Class size is limited to 45.
Course Outline
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audiences: All non-profit professionals
Agenda:
- Articulating Survey Purpose – 10 minutes
- Making it Measurable – 5 minutes
- Design Considerations – 30 minutes
- Activity & large group discussion - 15 minutes
- Writing Survey Items – 60 minutes
- Activity & large group discussion - 20 minutes
- Testing, administration, analysis, and use - 30 minutes
- Large group discussion - 10 minutes
Learner Outcomes
- Evaluate whether a survey is the most appropriate method for collecting data based on the information needed and the target audience.
- Assess the strengths and limitations of existing surveys and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Design survey questions that gather meaningful, reliable, and actionable data.
- Create thoughtful survey administration and dissemination strategies to maximize response rates and data quality.
Course Completion Requirements:
The Brown School is an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois. To earn credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. You may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs if you miss part of the training. CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown. You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available.
For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancellation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries, please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.