SURVEY SAMPLING FOR PLANNERS: Developing Sample Surveys

The Community Planning and Development Program of the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine is offering an opportunity to study survey research this spring.

Course Description

This is a short course in sampling for survey research.  It covers the basic statistical theory of random sampling and the researcher’s problem of determining an appropriate sample size through selecting an acceptable level of error in the sample.  It also covers quasi-random sampling using stratified and cluster samples.  The use of weighting of results to adjust for sample biases is also covered.  No prior knowledge of statistics is required.  Upon completion, the student should be able to:

• Distinguish between population, sample frame, and sample
• Identify appropriate confidence levels and intervals for random sampling under different assumptions about allowable sampling errors and then calculate sample sizes
• Construct and implement random and quasi-random sampling strategies
• Apply weights to survey results to adjust for biases in samples

Register for this course

Schedule: Two classes meetings. February 26 and March 5 from 4:10pm to 6:40pm onsite at the Muskie School of Public Service, USM Portland Campus or online through Adobe Connect. 

Contact Hours/CEUs: 10 CM credits pending approval and is being offered in cooperation with the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association (NNECAPA).

Course Fee: $75.00

Course Materials: One required book: Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide (3rd Ed.) (Jossey-Bass). This book is available for order from the USM Bookstore or other outlets such as Amazon.

Instructor: Charles Colgan is Professor of Public Policy and Management and Chair of the Community Planning and Development program in the Muskie School at USM.  He has taught survey research for more than 20 years at the Muskie School and has conducted numerous survey projects involving planning and policy issues for local, state, and federal agencies.

Location: This course can be taken online through Adobe Connect or onsite at the Muskie School of Public Service in the Wishcamper building on the USM Portland Campus.

• Participating onsite: Onsite participation takes place at the Muskie School of Public Service on the USM Portland Campus from 4:10pm to 6: 40pm on Tuesday, February 26th and Tuesday, March 5th. Room Location: 211 Wishcamper. Free parking is available in the parking garage located behind the Muskie School attached to the Abromson Community Education Center. Learn more.
  

• Participating online: Those choosing to participate online will connect to the onsite workshop through Adobe Connect. The workshop takes place from 4:10pm to 6:40pm on Tuesday, February 26th and Tuesday, March 5th. Learn more.
  
  
  • Test your computer for adequate connections.
    If participating online through Adobe Connect, the location you choose to participate from, be it your home or your office, should also have a phone with a hands free feature to connect to the audio component as a backup in the event of network connectivity problems.
    
    
  • If you have questions about participating in this course through Adobe Connect, please contact Muskie School’s Office of Student Affairs at 207-780-4864 or at mspssao@usm.maine.edu.
    
    

Registration: Register online or by calling USM Professional & Continuing Education Student Services Center at 207-780-5900 to register over the phone.

Before the course begins, you will receive detailed information regarding your participation from The Muskie School’s Office of Student Affairs.

Question about this workshop? For information about the course, contact Prof. Colgan at 207-780-4008/ colgan@maine.edu