Design a Survey Plan - Research Proposal Example

The claims also involve testing the theories in question (Punch, 1998). Before any research, Creswell (2003) observes that a researcher needs to conduct a pilot program for purposes of developing, adapting, and checking the viability of the techniques. This ensures effective determination of measurements and size of the final sample. Quantitative approach involves strategies of inquiry such as surveys and experimentation. Researchers collect data on fixed devices that produce statistical records.

Creswell (2003) identifies the procedures of developing a survey, and the first procedure is to identify the aim of the survey, and the rationale of the design. At this stage, the researcher outlines the purpose of the research, and how he intends to use the results of the study (Creswell 2003, Punch 1998 and Cozby 1977). Creswell (2003), Zikmund (2003) and Trochim (2001) observe that a researcher must provide a summary of the topic under research, outlining what is known about the study, what is not known, and what is under dispute.

At this stage, a researcher identifies gaps on the knowledge base of the study, and how the study seeks to fill these gaps (Tashakori et al, 1998). It is at this stage that a framework is developed to identify how the study is linked to the topic under consideration. The next stage involves identification of the population and sample (Creswell, 2003). Salkind (2010), Zikmund (2003) and Cozby (1977) define population as a collection of substances or objects that reflect a similar characteristic, and it is the main focus of the study.

A sample refers to a minimal collection of a population. It is paramount for researchers to conduct their research by use of a sample (Creswell, 2003). This is because it is expensive and time consuming to test all the subjects in a population. In analyzing a sample, researchers ought to pick a considerable size to warrant a statistical