This episode of the Total Survey Design podcast demystifies the statistical technique of survey weighting (or post-stratification), explaining how it corrects sample imbalances by giving "quiet groups" more influence. The hosts define weighting, detail when it's an effective correction tool for probability samples, and provide practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls like over-adjustment that can hurt data precision.

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This episode explains the important distinction between response rate and nonresponse error in survey research. Drawing on principles from Dillman et al.(2014), it clarifies that a high response rate does not necessarily mean low nonresponse error, and vice versa. Through two practical examples, the episode illustrates how systematic differences between respondents and nonrespondents -- not the number of responses -- determine the presence of nonresponse error. The episode emphasizes that evaluating survey quality requires more than just looking at response rates; it requires understanding potential bias in who does and does not respond.

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In this episode, the hosts speak with Mark Miazga, Director of University Survey and Assessment Services at the University of Minnesota, about his journey into survey research. Mark shares how his upbringing in rural Wisconsin and a background in law and nonprofit work shaped his perspective on data and public service. The conversation covers his transition from corporate law to survey methodology, his work managing complex institutional surveys, and how empathy and practical experience influence his approach to data collection and analysis. The discussion also touches on bridging gaps between institutional research and survey methodology, as well as a discussion of an institution-wide survey calendar, survey timing, and sampling. The episode wraps up with four points of advice for future surveyors. 

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In this episode, we talk with Robert Santos, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau from 2022 to 2025, about his professional journey and philosophy toward data and public service. Rob shares how his upbringing in a Mexican American community in San Antonio and how his early exposure to music and math shaped his path into statistics. The conversation explores his commitment to equity in data, the importance of cultural understanding in survey design, and his reflections on his time at the Census. He also discusses challenges and innovations in modern data collection (including the use of AI), and the trade-offs between cost, quality, and timeliness in survey methodology.

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In this episode, I talk about a survey I didn’t plan to analyze—one that popped up the moment I opened Microsoft Word. Microsoft asked for feedback, and well… I had some. I break down the flaws in their opening question, including directional bias, vague wording, and unlabeled scale points. I also reflect on how these design choices impact data quality and what could have been done better. It’s a reminder that even the most common surveys we see in the wild from even the biggest tech giants can teach us a lot about what not to do. If you just enjoy a good critique, you’ll want to stick around for this one.

Contact us at: [email protected]. And follow us on Instagram @totalsurveydesign.

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In this episode of Total Survey Design, Dr. Azdren Coma and Dr. Seon Yup Lee interview Dr. Jon Krosnick, a leading expert on political behavior, survey methodology, and public opinion. Dr. Krosnick is a professor at Stanford University who has advised the U.S. Census Bureau, led national studies on voting behavior and climate change, and published extensively on how people form attitudes and make decisions.

Recorded at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel during the 2025 AAPOR conference, this conversation covers Dr. Krosnick’s career path, the role of mentorship, and his research on trust and measurement validity. The episode also addresses broader topics in academia, such as the pressures of publishing, the importance of constructive feedback, and the value of humility and replication in science. 

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In this episode I sat down with Thom to talk about surveys. We talked about his time at the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center, working with Don Dillman on various projects including the 2000 U.S. Census, some of his favorite projects, my dissertation survey, the application of the Tailored Design Method on a wide variety of cultures, and much more.

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In this episode, we do a small retrospective on the first season. We also look ahead to see what is to come. We also give a call to action, seeking your support to ensure that this project continues to exist into the future.

If you would like to support us, you can do so by visiting our Ko-fi page at:

https://ko-fi.com/totalsurveydesign

Thank you.

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In this episode, we explore essential considerations for crafting effective surveys.  We begin by emphasizing the importance of defining the purpose of your survey, which serves as a guide through each step of its creation. We discuss how understanding your main goal—whether it's measuring customer satisfaction or academic variables—shapes your questions and improves data quality. Additionally, we highlight the significance of knowing your target population, budget, and timeframe. By the episode's end, we offer practical advice on streamlining your survey to avoid unnecessary questions, reduce costs, and enhance response quality. Join us to learn how to design your survey with precision and purpose.

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In this episode, we discuss the target population. We emphasize the importance of a well-defined target population, in context of the goal of your survey, and in relation to your sampling frame. We offer examples of target populations of various studies, and offer suggestions for the types of variables that you may want to consider when thinking about your target population. 

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