Survey Researchers

• Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
• Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
• Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
• Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
• Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
• Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
• Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
• Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
• Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
• Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
• Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.
• Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
• Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
• Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Survey Researchers.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Survey Researchers.