Challenges in survey research and their implications for philanthropic studies research

The authors review many of the serious challenges faced by survey researchers whose craft is to design and implement survey research. The challenges differ by mode of data collection (in person, telephone, mail, Web, etc.), and they have strong implications for philanthropy researchers who use survey research. Specialists in survey research have benefited from a number of developments in question and questionnaire design, sampling, cost containment, and handling increasing nonresponse. After reviewing these developments, the authors conclude with a plea to researchers to consult survey research experts at all points in survey design and planning. This will result in better data and research.