Survey researchers 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.

  • 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.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 84% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Telephone — 74% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 70% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 57% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 83% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 44% responded "Some freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • 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.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • 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.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Write grant proposals.
  • Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Confer with clients to exchange information.
  • Conduct research on social issues.
  • Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.
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Knowledge

English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • Salford Systems TreeNet
  • Random forest software
  • Argus Perceptual Mapper
  • QuestionPro
  • Question interchange profile QUIP software
  • SDA Survey
  • Voxco StatXP
  • Voxco PRONTO
  • TURBO Spring-Stat
  • SumQuest
  • Statistical Solutions SOLAS
  • Statistical software
  • STATISTICA
  • Statgraphics
  • StataCorp Stata
  • StarData
  • Merlinco MERLIN
  • Memphis Survey Explorer
  • KMR software
  • Harmoni ESPRI
  • Future Information Research Management Confirmit
  • Dataxiom Xpro
  • Dataxiom StatMost
  • Pulsar software
  • Askia Analyse
  • Power and Precision
  • P-STAT
  • NCSS
Web platform development software
  • JavaScript Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Research Spectrum Survent CATI
  • Apian SurveyPro
  • Raosoft SURVEYWin
  • QPSMR Limited Insight
  • QPSMR Limited Input
  • QPSMR Limited CATI
  • Point-of-View QWriter
  • Scantron Technologies eListen
  • Viking data editor
  • Acarda ForbiddenCalls
  • Snap Survey Software
  • Pulse Train Visual QSL
  • Creative Research Survey System
  • Interviewer software
  • Database software
  • Gravic Principia Remark
  • Gamma Associates mTab
  • Pulse Train Bellview TCI
  • Pulse Train Bellview CAPTI
  • Askia Design
  • Askia Face
  • Askia Vista
  • Askia Voice
  • Askia Web
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