02-09-1994 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Data Collection Superior, effective methodologies for collecting survey data are essential for yielding dependable, actionable results. The philosophy and methods of Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates ensure that its data collection process yields excellent results. Response Rates: A common but misguided approach to conducting a survey such as the one desired by the City of Little Canada is as follows: (1) a large sample is drawn; (2) only a few attempts are made to reach the original sample; (3) those unable to be reached with minimal effort are replaced; and (4) the response rate either is not reported or does not take into consideration the replacement of the original sample. This approach typically ignores two types of methodological errors that affect the usefulness of the data: ♦ Sampling error, which affects the ability to generalize from the data ♦ Nonresponse bias, which affects the accuracy of the data Therefore, Anderson - Niebuhr proposes different data collection strategies to avoid such errors. Our strategies will provide statistically reliable and valid findings that are generalizable to the desired populations. Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates, Inc. has been studying response rates and the effects of nonresponse bias for more than 18 years. The data collection methods we use ensure that survey questionnaires are designed to guarantee successful data collection. They are described in further detail in the text Questionnaires: Design and Use, co- authored by John Anderson and Marsha Niebuhr. We understand the City may wish to conduct the study by either mail or telephone. Therefore, we are providing information on both our telephone and mail data collection methods. Page 17 9