Course # 41600 Section Number 1 Day(s) W Time(s) 4:30pm-7:20pm Term Winter 2026 Specialization Survey Research Syllabus Syllabus 12/10/24 Scientific social surveys provide a substantial proportion of the data on which policy decisions in government are based. In health services research, child and family research, education, and much of social and economic statistics, the dominant data source is the survey. This course is designed to introduce participants to the key components of the survey and how to evaluate them. The field of survey methodology draws on theories and practices from several academic disciplines - sociology, psychology, statistics, mathematics, computer science, and economics. This course will introduce the set of principles that are the basis of standard practice in the field. Topics include: inference in social research; survey design; coverage, sampling, and nonresponse; questionnaire and question design; modes of data collection; interviewing; post-collection processing; scientific integrity and ethics; history of survey research; evaluation of surveys. The course will include a quarter-long project in which small groups will design a survey to tackle a real-life survey issue and present the results at the end of the quarter. Students should have taken at least one course in statistics at the level of PPHA 31000 to enroll. Recent News More news Q&A: Assistant Professor Erin Kelley on Her Work in Program Evaluation, International Development, and With the World Bank Wed., July 09, 2025 University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Launch New Pathbreaking Master’s Program in Climate and Energy Policy Tue., July 08, 2025 Provost Katherine Baicker Appointed Emmett Dedmon Distinguished Service Professor Thu., July 03, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Harris Summer Mixer in Washington, DC: Cultivating Policy Connections Thu., July 10, 2025 | 5:00 PM Harris Summer Mixer in Washington, DC: Cultivating Policy Connections Office of Federal Relations 1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington,, DC 20006 United States Coffee Chat Fri., July 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM Tatte Bakery and Cafe 2129 I St NW Washington, DC 20037 United States Coffee Chat Fri., July 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM Greenberry's Coffee Co. 1805 E St NW Washington, DC 20006 United States