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Demonstrating the Value of Mini Surveys in Social Research

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  • Kurt Finsterbusch

    (University of Maryland)

Abstract

The informative value of mini surveys (surveys of samples of 20 to 80 respondents) is described and illustrated. The declining marginal utility of each additional respondent makes mini surveys efficient. They give a rough idea of the population parameters and can lead to the rejection of hypotheses which differ widely from the evidence. The kind of confidence that can be placed in them is discussed, and it is concluded that they are particularly useful in applied and/or policy research. They can not be used, however, for complex multivariate analyses or precise comparisons. In addition to describing populations, they can be used to modify the opinions of experts and to test the applicability of previous findings to a specific situation or case. They can also be used in conjunction with large-scale surveys. Finally, several waves of mini surveys, which alternate data gathering, analysis, and questionnaire revision, can probe and explore issues better than does a single survey.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Finsterbusch, 1976. "Demonstrating the Value of Mini Surveys in Social Research," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 5(1), pages 117-136, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:5:y:1976:i:1:p:117-136
    DOI: 10.1177/004912417600500105
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