401481 BHC48 Demografie, Gesundheit und soziale Sicherung (V) (SoSe 2026)

This course covers the basic principles of survey design and methods and introduces the necessary components of a good-quality survey with a focus on the old-age population. During the course, we will explore the survey methodology literature, including sampling frames and designs; modes of data collection and their effects on survey errors; the cognitive processes involved in answering survey questions and their impact on questionnaire design; pretesting methods; and post-data-collection processing. The goal of the course is to give an introduction to the skills and resources needed to design and conduct a survey. The course language is English (some lectures) and German. Students can complete their assignment in either language unless specified.

Requirements for participation, required level

No specific requirements. The knowledge of social research processes (e.g., BHC28b within the Bachelor of Health Communication Program) is an advantage.

Bibliography

Main book(s):
Groves, R. M., Fowler, F. J. J., Couper, M. P., Lepkowski, J. M., Singer, E., & Tourangeau, R. (2009). Survey methodology (2nd edition).

Additional books:
1. Donald J. Treiman (2009) Quantitative Data Analysis: Doing Social Research to Test Ideas (Research Methods for the Social Sciences)
2. Fowler, Floyd J. Survey Research Methods (2013); Chapters 1 and 2. SAGE Publications
3. Gideon L., (ed) (2012). Handbook of Survey Methodology for the Social Sciences. New York: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3876-2.
4. Don A. Dillman, Jolene D. Smyth, Leah Melani Christian. Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method 4th Edition