So you’ve decided to collect data on people’s thoughts, feelings or experiences. Whether you’re convening a group of people in person or online for a public engagement session, or whether you’re looking to collect a large amount of data via surveys or online questionnaires, you are going to have some practical and logistical aspects of your research to consider.

This chapter outlines a few practical considerations that you will want to take into account as you plan your public opinion research.

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions:

• What is the best sampling size and sampling strategy for the type of public opinion research I want to conduct?
• What do I need to consider when planning a time and location to conduct my data collection with people?
• How can I create a good research question that is aligned with my goals for public opinion research?

This chapter is divided into four sections:

1. Sample size
2. Sampling strategies
3. Research time and location
4. Goals and Research Question

Tip from the professor: Think like a reporter! Remember the 5 W’s: Who? What? Where? When? and Why? These questions can help you with your initial public opinion research design. The answers to the 5 W’s will help you to design an effective research project and get the data you need.

>>Next: Sample Size

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