A behind-the-scenes blog about research methods at Pew Research Center. For our latest findings, visit pewresearch.org. Academic survey researchers tend to differ ...

Systematic sampling is straightforward and low risk, offering better control. However, it may introduce sampling errors and data manipulation. Understand its benefits and weaknesses here.

Cochran (1977) outlines eleven steps in the planning of a survey. Good sampling methods must exist in the environment of all of these steps. These steps are (1) a statement of the survey objectives, ...