Survey Researchers

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $33K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $44K
Median Salary: $59K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $81K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $110K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.

Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.

Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.

Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.

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.

Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.

Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.

Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.

Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.

Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.

Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.

Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.

Write proposals to win new projects.

Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.

Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Tableau
Customer relationship management CRM software
Sales force automation software
Data base user interface and query software
Structured query language SQL
Data mining software
Salford Systems CART
Desktop publishing software
Sawtooth SSI Web
Document management software
Verity TELEform
Electronic mail software
Email software
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle PeopleSoft
Expert system software
Computer assisted telephone interviewing CATI software
Graphics or photo imaging software
CfMC COSI
Interactive voice response software
CfMC SoundSurvent
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Postal boundary mapping software
Object or component oriented development software
Python
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Pulse Train Bellview Scan
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web page creation and editing software
Pulse Train Bellview Web
Web platform development software
JavaScript
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laser printers
Top 10 Knowledge Required
English Language
88%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics
87%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Customer and Personal Service
70%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management
68%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Computers and Electronics
67%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Sociology and Anthropology
65%
Importance

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

Communications and Media
61%
Importance

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Psychology
60%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Clerical
58%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Sales and Marketing
57%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
83%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

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.

Reading Comprehension
80%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
80%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing
80%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving
73%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making
70%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Mathematics
70%
Importance

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Learning
68%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination
63%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Top 10 Abilities
Inductive Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Written Expression
83%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Mathematical Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Number Facility
78%
Importance

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Speech Clarity
78%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Top 10 Work Activities
Analyzing Data or Information
96%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interacting With Computers
96%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information
93%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information
93%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
90%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
87%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
85%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Documenting/Recording Information
84%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
84%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
84%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities

Write grant proposals.

Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Confer with clients to exchange information.

Conduct research on social issues.

Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.

Record research or operational data.

Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

Prepare operational reports.

Plan social sciences research.

Direct scientific activities.

Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Education
Majors
Major
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Statistics
Applied Statistics
Social Sciences, General
Economics
Business/Managerial Economics
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Marketing
Interests
Investigative
96%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional
72%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
67%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
29%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
19%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Realistic
15%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
97%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity
96%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Analytical Thinking
92%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Dependability
89%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation
83%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Initiative
81%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
80%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence
80%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
77%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Stress Tolerance
77%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values
Independence
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Support
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.