Services | Survey Research Centre | University of Waterloo

Survey Research Centre Services

We provide a full array of services from a single consultation on the design of the survey instrument to a complete package of survey design, implementation and final analysis. For University of Waterloo faculty, staff and graduate students initial consultation on survey design is provided free of charge. The SRC has a mandate to educate the academic community about quality survey research and methodology. We provide details about introductory scripts and response rate formulas. The Survey Research Centre tailors services to meet client needs.

Research Design

We offer consultation on the best methodological design for survey. With the client we will assess objectives and study population and propose an appropriate design, sample size, and sampling frame.

Instrument Design

The SRC will work with the client to develop a questionnaire that best meets the data needs of the project. We review question wording, positioning, response type and data values when requested. We also provide support for introductory scripts.

Data Collection

The SRC offers telephone, mail, door to door, and web surveys as venues for data collection. We also offer mixed mode collections, such as a mail survey with a web option or a mail survey with telephone reminders. We can also provide focus groups for qualitative research.

Data Files and Analysis

Datasets are prepared to client specifications. The SRC can provide basic data analysis including frequencies and cross tabulations, as well as a narrative review of findings. Coding of open ended questions is available.

Reporting Package

The SRC strives for transparency in data collection. All our protocols and methodology will be reviewed with the client. Regular updates to the client are sent during fieldwork. Regular reports to the client are sent throughout the conduct of the survey. The technical report package includes a review of methodology and conduct, dispositions, response rates, codebook, and clean dataset.