There are many resources in print and on the web to assist you with designing a survey instrument.  An excellent book to consult is Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, by Don Dillman, for detailed instructions on developing a survey project from start to finish.  This reference is considered by many to be the best for survey design guidance, and is available in our Alkek Library.

Here are some online resources that you may want to consult for the latest tips and suggestions to help you develop a quality survey:

• Designing Surveys for Quality Improvement or Outcomes Assessment (Powerpoint slides from Texas State Institutional Research Office's Professional Development presentation).
• The Web Center for Social Research Methods' Knowledge Base (Links directly to "Constructing the Survey" section, which contains excellent tips on witing and organizing questions).
• Strategies for Survey Research and Techniques for Survey Design (Powerpoint slides from Dr. Karen Bauer's presentation at 2005 Australasian Association for Institutional Research conference).
• Survey Research Methods (section of American Statistical Assocation's website devoted to the improvement of survey methods).

Software companies often post helpful information about survey design.  Here are some to consult for survey design tips:

• Qualtrics (Links to Qualtrics University "Survey Design" section).
• Snap Surveys (Links to "Designing Surveys - a basic guide")
• SurveyMonkey (Links to downloadable PDF of "Smart Survey Design" guide).