This document discusses conducting a survey to determine people's perceptions of the advantages and risks of social media. The survey will use a descriptive research method with a questionnaire containing Likert scale questions distributed directly to respondents. Responses will be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The analysis will show what respondents think about social media and if they understand the benefits as well as risks of using social media.

1. Conducting Survey
Daniela Popescu
Research Skills

2. CONTENTS
1. The aim of survey
2. Methods and techniques used
3. Types of questions
4. The Questionnaire

3. The aim of survey
To find out the perception of
people about the advantages
and risks of Social Media

4. Methods and techniques used
• This survey was conducted as a descriptive
research in order to determine respondents'
perception on social media, using a Likert
Scale for each question of the questionnaire.

5. Methods and techniques used
• Responses collected will be pooled and
analysed using a Qualitative method.
• It will also use a Quantitative analysis to
express more clearly the results.
• Questionnaire method was used because it
is easy to manage and the data obtained are
reliable as respondents have more response
options.

6. Types of questions
• Questions emphasize the role and main
characteristics that respondents assign to social
networks.
• Questionnaires are distributed directly and then
collected. Respondents will complete questionnaires
individually, anonymously and without direct
supervision.
• The analysis will show what respondents think about
social media, if they understand the benefits and
but also the risks they are exposed.

7. Questionnaire

12. http://www.slideshare.net/DanaPopescu/research-proposal-32845073
Research Proposal
Survey
http://www.slideshare.net/DanaPopescu/survey-32847934
Power Point Presentations available at:

13. Descriptive research
- Describe situations
- Do not make accurate predictions
- Do not determine cause-effect
Types
1. Observational methods
- Animal and human behaviour observed
a) Naturalistic observation
b) Laboratory observation
1. Case-study methods
- In-depth study of an individual or group of individuals
- Limited use for accurate prediction
- Not used for cause-effect

14. Types
Survey methods
• Participants answer questions administered through interviews and
questionnaires
• For reliable and valid results the questionnaire should contain good
questions
Open-ended Greater variety of
answers
Difficult to analyse
Closed-ended Limit responses Easy to analyse
Rating scale (Likert
scale)
Very easy to analyse
statistical

15. In addition to the methods may include also qualitative and
quantitative methods – as distinct methods.
The qualitative part is exploratory and generates the hypotheses
and theory, which could be verified later on in a quantitative
(confirmatory) part.
The quantitative could be used for generalisation of qualitative
findings.

16. References
1. HALE, J. (2011) “The 3 Basic Types of Descriptive Research Methods”.
[Online] Available from:
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/09/27/the-3-basic-types-of-
descriptive-research-methods/ [Accessed: 14.02.2014]
1. JACKSON, S.L. (2009). Research Methods and Statistics: A Critical Thinking
Approach 3rd edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
2. LSE Media and Communication (2010) Qualitative and quantitative data
together. [Online] Available from:
http://www.lse.ac.uk/media@lse/research/EUKidsOnline/BestPracticeGuide/F
AQ33.aspx [Accessed: 14.02.2014]