Knowledge Hub · Practical survey design

Survey Methods Handbook

Survey design is a chain of connected decisions. This handbook is for anyone considering, commissioning, designing or reviewing a survey.

It helps turn a research aim into an appropriate mode, sample, questionnaire, fieldwork plan and dependable dataset. Work through the chapters in order when planning a survey, or open the chapter that matches the decision in front of you. Prepared for the 2026–27 academic and practice context, the collection preserves the handbook’s practical guidance and integrates current chapters on digital collection, AI-assisted instrument design, and web data.

Last updated: 21 August 2026