Survey Researchers

19-3022.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
• Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
• Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
• Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
• Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
• Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
• Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
• Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
• Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
• Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
• Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
• Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
• Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.
• Write proposals to win new projects.
• Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
• Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Argus Perceptual Mapper; Askiaanalyse; Dataxiom StatMost; Dataxiom Xpro; Future Information Research Management Confirmit; Harmoni ESPRI; IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; KMR software; Memphis Survey Explorer; Merlinco MERLIN; NCSS; P-STAT; Power and Precision; Pulsar software; Question interchange profile QUIP software; QuestionPro; Random forest software; Salford Systems TreeNet; SAS 🔥; SDA Survey; StarData; StataCorp Stata; Statgraphics; STATISTICA; Statistical software; Statistical Solutions SOLAS; SumQuest; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; TURBO Spring-Stat; Voxco PRONTO; Voxco StatXP
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - Tableau 🔥
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Sales force automation software
• Data base user interface and query software - Acarda ForbiddenCalls; Apian SurveyPro; Askia Design; Askia Vista; Askia Web; Askiaface; Askiavoice; Creative Research Survey System; Database software; Gamma Associates mTab; Gravic Principia Remark; Interviewer software; Microsoft Access 🔥; Point-of-View QWriter; Pulse Train Bellview CAPTI; Pulse Train Bellview TCI; Pulse Train Visual QSL; QPSMR Limited CATI; QPSMR Limited Input; QPSMR Limited Insight; Raosoft SURVEYWin; Research Spectrum Survent CATI; Scantron Technologies eListen; Snap Survey Software; Structured query language SQL 🔥; Viking data editor
• Data mining software - Salford Systems CART
• Desktop publishing software - EZ Forms; Sawtooth SSI Web
• Document management software - Verity TELEform
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Oracle PeopleSoft 🔥
• Expert system software - Acarda CallAssist; Computer assisted telephone interviewing CATI software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - CfMC COSI; Graphics software
• Interactive voice response software - CfMC SoundSurvent
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Postal boundary mapping software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Oracle Java 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python 🔥; R 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Optical character reader OCR or scanning software - Pulse Train Bellview Scan
• Presentation software - COMCON DataFriend; DATAN Merlin Fastab; Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥; Pulse Train Pulser Web; QPSMR Limited Reflect
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Microsoft Teams ; Perseus SurveySolutions
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Video conferencing software - FaceTime; Zoom
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe ColdFusion; Pulse Train Bellview Web
• Web platform development software - JavaScript 🔥; Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 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.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• 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.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the 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.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• 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.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.
• Record research or operational data.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Plan social sciences research.
• Confer with clients to exchange information.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Direct scientific activities.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Conduct research on social issues.
• Write grant proposals.
• Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
• Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.