Guide to Advanced Empirical

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2008-Guide to Advanced Empirical Software Engineering
3299771.3299772, BF01324126

1. Introduction
Chapter 3 Personal Opinion Surveys Barbara A. Kitchenham and Shari L. Pfleeger

Abstract

Although surveys are an extremely common research method, survey- based research is not an easy option. In this chapter, we use examples of three software engineering surveys to illustrate the advantages and pitfalls of using surveys. We discuss the six most important stages in survey-based research setting the surveys objectives selecting the most appropriate survey design constructing the survey instrument (concentrating on self-administered questionnaires assessing the reliability and validity of the survey instrument administering the instrument and, finally, analysing the collected data. This chapter provides only an introduction to survey-based research readers should consult the referenced literature for more detailed advice.
1. Introduction
Surveys are probably the most commonly used research method worldwide. Survey work is visible because we are often asked to participate in surveys in our private capacity, as electors, consumers, or service users. This widespread use of surveys may give the impression that survey-based research is straightforward, an easy option for researchers to gather important information about products, context, processes, workers and more. However, in our experience this is not the case. In this chapter, we will use actual survey examples to illustrate the attractions and pitfalls of the survey technique.
The three surveys we will use as our examples will be discussed in the next section. After that we will define what we mean by a survey. Then we will discuss the main activities that need to be considered when you undertake a survey:
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Setting the objectives
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Survey design
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Developing the survey instrument (i.e. the questionnaire)
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Evaluating the survey instrument
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Obtaining valid data
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Analysing the data
Chapter 3
Personal Opinion Surveys
Barbara A. Kitchenham and Shari L. Pfleeger
63
F. Shull et al. (eds, Guide to Advanced Empirical Software Engineering.
© Springer 2008

64 BA. Kitchenham and S.L. Pfleeger

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