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Survey Researchers
Also called : Data Analyst, Field Interviewer, Market Survey Representative, Methodologist, Public Opinion Analyst, Research Associate, Research Fellow, Research Interviewer, Survey Research Consultant, Telephone
What they do
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.
On the job, one would
- 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.
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.
- Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
SKILLS
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- 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.
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
ABILITIES
- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- 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.
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
TECHNOLOGY
- Analytical or scientific software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data mining software
- Desktop publishing software
- Document management software
- Electronic mail software
- Enterprise application integration software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Expert system software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
Graduate Degree or higher.
- Experience
Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.