Large Survey Process Step 5
Step 5a. Who do you want to survey?
In this question, the Large Survey Request Form asks you which group of people you would like to survey. The groups are identified by their roles: faculty, staff, and/or students.
Why do we ask this question on the Large Survey Request Form?
Knowing who you want to survey helps us ensure that any group of people is only being invited to one large survey at a time.
This information also helps us refer you to the correct department for securing the directory information (e.g., names and email addresses) you will need to conduct your survey.
Tips for best practice
Take a look at the Large Survey Dashboard (you will be prompted to sign in with your Wake credentials). This dashboard provides response rates, frequency of past surveys, how often we’re surveying specific populations on campus, the topics we survey about, and more. This tool helps you consider whether the information you need might already be available in an existing survey and whether you might be able to collaborate with other people conducting surveys.
Step 5b. Will you be reporting on demographic differences?
Is it necessary for the survey to ask or report on demographic differences? Demographic information can be sensitive, so special care should be taken in evaluating if asking for this information is needed to answer your research questions. If it is needed, we can help guide you on data security surrounding the survey results.
If you respond yes to this question indicating that demographic differences will be asked or reported, follow-up questions will be asked thereafter, such as which demographic variables will be collected or reported, what the educational need is for gathering this information, and how and with whom the collected demographic data will be shared.
Why do we ask this question on the Large Survey Request Form?
Evaluating surveys for demographic information helps us understand how much private information participants may be asked to share and if any special data security steps should be taken with the results.
If you answer “Yes”, follow-up questions will be asked on the specifics of the demographic data you intend to collect.
Tips for best practice
• Only ask for demographic information that is necessary for answering your research questions.
• When asking for demographic information, be mindful of inclusive language and tailoring to cultural sensitivities.
• Out of respect for privacy, have a prefer not to say option.
Questions? Contact us at