If your question is not answered below, please email your question to sabs@tamu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a survey?
A survey is a method of collecting information from a group of people, typically through a set of structured questions. It is used to gather opinions, experiences, or data on a specific topic to analyze trends, measure satisfaction, or inform decision-making. Surveys can be conducted in various formats, including online, in person, by phone, or on paper. Collecting program applications/resumes, nominations, or conducting faculty searches are excluded from this survey approval process.
Does my survey need approval by Strategy and Business Services?
Your survey needs approval unless it meets an exception provided in our guidance. Strategy and Business Services would like to be aware of the surveys being conducted across campus, so we ask that as a courtesy, you fill out the form and click the exception that your survey meets. If you are unsure whether or not your survey meets an exception, please fill out the Survey Request Form and click “I am unsure if my survey meets an exception.” We will contact you with potential next steps.
What are other ways to gather data instead of conducting a survey?
There are many ways to gather data instead of conducting a survey. Some common methods include:
- Interviews: Direct conversations with individuals; allows for open-ended responses
- Focus Groups: Small group of people discussing a particular topic, guided by a moderator
- Experiments: Manipulating variables and measuring the effects; helps establish cause-and-effect relationships
- Observational Research: Observe participants’ behavior, actions, or interactions
- Case Studies: In-depth analysis of a particular instance, group, or event; understand complex issues in context
- Public Records: Use pre-existing sources of information, such as government records, company reports, or statistical databases (i.e., census data, legal documents, or historical records)
What if my survey is recurring?
Additional approval is not needed if there is no change to the format or content of your survey between each scheduled distribution. Please inform Strategy and Business Services at sabs@tamu.edu of your desired survey distribution dates each time your survey is conducted and if any material changes have occurred since the last survey.
How to a create a sample size?
If assistance is needed, please indicate that on the Survey Request Form, and we can direct you to the appropriate group to help you create a sample. Additionally, two articles that discuss creating a sample size are:
How can I obtain a distribution list for my survey?
Please indicate in the survey submission form that you need assistance obtaining a distribution list, and we can direct you to the appropriate group to help.
Do I have to use a sample size?
Yes, sampling is typically required unless Strategy and Business Services approves the request to include an entire audience. Sampling effectively and efficiently represents a population in surveys, and it reduces survey fatigue by preventing an overload of surveys being sent to the same person.
Who can assist me in building my survey?
Please indicate in the survey request form if you need assistance in building a survey, and Strategy and Business Services can connect you with a department on campus, such as Student Affairs Planning, Assessment, and Research (SAPAR) or the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Evaluation (OIEE).
What is the Strategy and Business Services' involvement with the survey results?
The results of your survey are your own. Strategy and Business Services is involved solely in the approval process of your survey.
Should I provide a prize or a drawing to survey participants to encourage participation?
We do not recommend using incentives to encourage participation in your survey. There is a lack of evidence that offering prizes makes a difference in survey response rates. Prizes awarded via drawing often go unclaimed and depending on the value of the prize, it can affect student financial aid packages or have income tax implications for employees.
How long will it take for my survey to be approved?
We recommend reaching out to Strategy and Business Services at least 2 weeks before you plan to administer your survey so there is ample time to work through all aspects of your planned survey. If there is an expedited timeline or an urgent need to distribute a survey, please don't hesitate to contact us at sabs@tamu.edu, and we can work with you on the timing of approval and distribution.
Is my survey exempt if I am doing research for publication?
Yes, your survey is exempt from the survey approval process if you are using a survey to conduct scholarly activity intended for publication. You must still follow all IRB rules and guidelines.
My survey is approved by IRB. Do I see need to fill out this form?
The university survey approval process does not take the place or duplicate efforts of Institutional Review Board (IRB) review or impact any of the requirements for human subjects research. If your survey does not meet one of the exceptions listed in the guidance on the Strategy and Business Services website, you will need to submit a survey request form. However, if the survey is scholarly activity intended for publication, then it qualifies as an exception, and you do not need Strategy and Business Services approval.
I filled out the form and believe I qualify for an exception, do I need to wait for a response from Strategy and Business Services to proceed?
We recommend you allow Strategy and Business Services to confirm your survey meets an exception before proceeding with your survey administration.
If my survey meets an exception, do I still need to fill out this form?
No. However, while not required, as a courtesy, we ask that you fill out our form to keep our division updated regarding the surveys being conducted across campus to facilitate awareness and coordination of efforts.
Can I conduct a course evaluation mid-semester?
Yes, please follow the steps listed on the OIEE website for Mid-Term Evaluations. Please take into consideration the published deadlines.
What are some best practices for creating my survey?
You can check out this article for tips on writing survey questions. We recommend creating the survey to allow for respondents to receive a copy of their responses upon submission.
Can my student organization survey the students involved in the organization?
Yes, please fill out the SAPAR Assessment Request form.