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PODCAST

Total Survey Design

Dr. Azdren Coma and Dr. Seon Yup Lee

Total Survey Design is a podcast for explaining the complexities of survey design. This podcast serves a diverse audience, including academics, small business owners, nonprofits, industry professionals, and students. Each season features episodes covering topics from survey utility to sample sizes, and question design to total survey error. Episode content includes insightful discussions, expert interviews, and special event coverage to enhance your survey skills and understanding.

science social sciences

All Episodes

12:44

A Critique of Microsoft Word’s Feedback Survey

Total Survey Design ·

2025/08/03

In this episode, I talk about a survey I didn’t plan to analyze—one that popped up the moment I opened Microsoft Word. Microsoft asked for feedback, and well… I had some. I break down the flaws in their opening question, including directional bias, vague wording, and unlabeled scale points. I also reflect on how these design choices impact data quality and what could have been done better. It’s a reminder that even the most common surveys we see in the wild from even the biggest tech giants c...

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58:24

An Interview with Jon Krosnick on Survey Design,...

Total Survey Design ·

2025/06/16

In this episode of Total Survey Design, Dr. Azdren Coma and Dr. Seon Yup Lee interview Dr. Jon Krosnick, a leading expert on political behavior, survey methodology, and public opinion. Dr. Krosnick is a professor at Stanford University who has advised the U.S. Census Bureau, led national studies on voting behavior and climate change, and published extensively on how people form attitudes and make decisions. Recorded at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel during the 2025 AAPOR conferen...

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60:51

An Interview with Thom Allen

Total Survey Design ·

2025/03/24

In this episode I sat down with Thom to talk about surveys. We talked about his time at the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center, working with Don Dillman on various projects including the 2000 U.S. Census, some of his favorite projects, my dissertation survey, the application of the Tailored Design Method on a wide variety of cultures, and much more. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydes...

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5:07

Season 1 Finale

Total Survey Design ·

2024/09/22

In this episode, we do a small retrospective on the first season. We also look ahead to see what is to come. We also give a call to action, seeking your support to ensure that this project continues to exist into the future. If you would like to support us, you can do so by visiting our Ko-fi page at:https://ko-fi.com/totalsurveydesignThank you.Support the showFind us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesignContact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

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12:14

Essential Considerations When Creating a Survey

Total Survey Design ·

2024/09/09

In this episode, we explore essential considerations for crafting effective surveys. We begin by emphasizing the importance of defining the purpose of your survey, which serves as a guide through each step of its creation. We discuss how understanding your main goal—whether it's measuring customer satisfaction or academic variables—shapes your questions and improves data quality. Additionally, we highlight the significance of knowing your target population, budget, and timeframe. By the...

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7:53

The Target Population

Total Survey Design ·

2024/09/02

In this episode, we discuss the target population. We emphasize the importance of a well-defined target population, in context of the goal of your survey, and in relation to your sampling frame. We offer examples of target populations of various studies, and offer suggestions for the types of variables that you may want to consider when thinking about your target population. Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

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28:05

An Interview with James McCall, Survey Methodologist

Total Survey Design ·

2024/08/26

In this episode, we interview James McCall, a survey methodologist at Westat. James shares what first drew him to surveys, and what drove him into a career of surveys. We talk about his role as a survey methodologist in industry. We discuss cognitive testing, data scripts, and other elements of the art and science of survey design. We also discuss our pet-peeves, such as matrix questions, check-all-that-apply questions, pre-testing, having too-short timelines, and more. James also shares advi...

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27:09

Design Elements - Progress Bars, Back Buttons, Forced...

Total Survey Design ·

2024/08/19

In this episode, we explore the key design elements of effective surveys, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly experiences and reliable data collection. But first, in our free talk segment we discuss the compensation structure of the YouGov platform.Then, we highlight practical tips like strategic question ordering, clear language use, and consistent visual design. Additionally, the episode discusses behavioral aspects such as the appropriate use of forced responses and fair uses of at...

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21:59

A Conversation About the Trust and Distrust of Surveys

Total Survey Design ·

2024/08/12

In this episode, we introduce a new free talk segment, where we discuss and celebrate Seon Yup's new job as chief survey methodologist at Kansas State University. We then explore why many people distrust surveys and some things we can do to regain their trust. We discuss key issues like sensitive topics, the impact of interviewer identity, and the prevalence of poorly designed surveys that fail to effect change. We also provide tips on recognizing legitimate surveys, emphasizing secure and et...

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17:29

The Costs of Conducting Surveys

Total Survey Design ·

2024/08/04

In this episode, we explore the costs associated with conducting surveys. We start by debunking the common misconception that surveys are free, highlighting the significant expenses involved in various survey methods—from internet to mixed-mode surveys which are needed to collect useful data. We explore the astronomical costs of large-scale efforts like the U.S. Census, which can reach billions, and contrast these with more modest academic research surveys, which can still run into thousands ...

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19:53

Sample Design - Part 2. The Sampling Frame

Total Survey Design ·

2024/07/23

In our second episode focusing on sample design, we dive into the intricacies of creating a sampling frame. We explain what a sampling frame is and why it's crucial for ensuring your survey reaches the right target population. We discuss the four key elements of an ideal sampling frame: comprehensiveness, accuracy, specificity, and accessibility. Additionally, we highlight real-world examples and practical tips for researchers, from using address-based databases to leveraging online survey pl...

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9:39

Writing Good Survey Questions - Part 2

Total Survey Design ·

2024/07/15

This episode is the second in a series of writing good survey questions, where we dive deep into the intricacies of response options for survey questions, a crucial component often overlooked in survey design. We explore the significance of well-constructed response options in enhancing data quality and the pitfalls of poorly designed ones that can lead to confusion. Our focus will primarily be on closed-ended questions, discussing the different types of scales like categorical and continuous...

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11:54

Writing Good Survey Questions - Part 1

Total Survey Design ·

2024/07/09

In this episode, we delve into the art of crafting effective survey questions. We discuss the importance of clear and precise wording, avoiding biases, and the impact of question formats on data quality. Learn practical tips for designing questions that yield accurate and meaningful data, whether for academic research, market analysis, or feedback collection. Join us as we explore examples and demonstrate how to refine a simple question into a well-crafted survey item. Perfect for anyone look...

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10:55

The Total Survey Design Method - Reducing Costs,...

Total Survey Design ·

2024/06/28

In this episode, we explore the Total Survey Design Method to maximize data quality. Discover how reducing errors, rooted in social exchange theory, can enhance your survey's effectiveness. We'll delve into the three key factors—cost, benefit, and trust—discussing strategies to minimize respondent burden, highlight benefits, and establish trust. Learn practical tips on simplifying surveys, using incentives, and emphasizing legitimacy. Perfect for anyone aiming to improve survey response rates...

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43:10

Don Dillman – A Reflection in Memoriam

Total Survey Design ·

2024/06/19

This episode is a tribute and commemoration of Don Dillman, who is known for his contributions to survey methodology, particularly the development of the Tailored Design Method (TDM) for conducting surveys. The episode reflects on his work as a professor and a mentor, his impact on our careers, and his legacy. Our unscripted conversation includes personal anecdotes, discussions on his methodologies, and a reflection on Don's influence on our work.Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveyde...

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10:35

The Four Sources of Survey Error

Total Survey Design ·

2024/06/07

In this episode of the Total Survey Design Podcast, we explore the four main sources of survey error through the engaging story of Mario, a local pizzeria owner aiming to conduct an ethical survey. We delve into coverage error, sampling error, measurement error, and non-response error, explaining how each can distort survey results. By using Mario's quest to honestly determine if his pizzeria is the best in town, we illustrate practical strategies for reducing these errors, offering listeners...

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13:18

Sample Design - Part 1. Sample Size

Total Survey Design ·

2024/06/03

In this episode of the Total Survey Design Podcast, we explore the fascinating concept of sample size and its impact on survey accuracy. Discover why just about 1000 responses can represent the views of millions, debunking common misconceptions about survey sampling. We'll dive into the key parameters for calculating sample size, such as margin of error, confidence level, predicted variance, and target population size. Learn how a small, well-chosen sample can provide precise and reliable dat...

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12:48

How to Lie with Surveys

Total Survey Design ·

2024/05/31

In this episode, hosts Seon Yup Lee and Azdren Coma explore the ways surveys can mislead us, inspired by the book "How to Lie with Maps." They discuss common survey pitfalls, from bad question design to poor sampling, and provide real-world examples, such as misleading questions in political surveys and biased sampling in product ratings. This episode, the first in a series, aims to uncover the frequent errors in surveys that can skew data, whether by accident or intention. Tune in to learn h...

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8:02

The Utility of Surveys

Total Survey Design ·

2024/05/19

In this episode of the Total Survey Design Podcast, Seon Yup and Azdren dive into the utility of surveys and their vital role in understanding public opinion and decision-making. They share examples, like A&W's marketing mishap with their third-pound burger, and the importance of surveys in evaluating high-cost programs. From business insights to educational improvements, surveys offer invaluable data that can guide better choices and avoid costly mistakes. Tune in to learn why surveys ma...

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4:02

Intro to the Podcast

Total Survey Design ·

2024/05/14

In this debut episode of "Total Survey Design," hosts Azdren Coma and Seon Yup Lee introduce listeners to the intricacies and importance of surveys. Exploring the basics of survey creation and analysis, they discuss their professional backgrounds and the podcast's goals, including helping various audiences—from small business owners to academics—master survey design. They outline the upcoming season, highlighting topics such as survey utility, question design, and common survey issues, and te...

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21 results

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