Learn more about how surveys are developed and conducted by exploring the survey methodology topics below, reading reports about methodological issues, and browsing frequently asked questions. Behind every survey, several decisions are made about how to: select people to interview, conduct the survey, and ask the questions. All of these decisions impact the survey results.
Sampling
There are many different ways to select respondents to be surveyed. Here is a description of some of the methods we use to draw samples.
Collecting Survey Data
Researchers use a variety of methods to survey respondents. Here is a review of those methods, plus a discussion of declining response rates.
Questionnaire Design
There are various ways to ask questions and arrange them in the survey. Here we discuss some of the pitfalls and best practices.
Election Polling
Pre-election polling allows pollsters to assess the accuracy of their work by comparing how well their polls matched election outcomes. One of the key challenges is identifying likely voters.
Methodology Reports
Nov 7, 2012
A Comparison of Results from Surveys by the Pew Research Center and Google Consumer Surveys
Nov 22, 2010
The Growing Gap between Landline and Dual Frame Election Polls; Republican Vote Share Bigger in Landline-Only Surveys
Oct 13, 2010
