enkätdesign

Enkätdesign, or survey design, is the process of planning and constructing surveys to collect data from respondents. In Swedish, the term enkätdesign combines enkät (survey) and design. The goal is to produce data that are reliable and valid for answering predefined research questions while minimizing respondent burden and measurement error. Key steps include defining objectives, specifying the target population, selecting a sampling method, choosing an administration mode, and designing questions and response options.

Survey design choices affect data quality. Surveys can be cross-sectional (data at a single point in time) or longitudinal (data collected over multiple occasions). Administration modes include online, telephone, mail, and in-person interviews, and mixed-mode designs may be used. Question formats include closed-ended items (dichotomous, multiple choice, Likert scales) and open-ended items. Researchers also consider question wording, order, screening questions, skip logic, and survey length to reduce fatigue and confusion.

Quality and ethics: good enkätdesign aims for validity (whether questions measure what is intended) and reliability (consistency). It also addresses biases such as nonresponse, social desirability, and measurement error. Privacy and data protection, informed consent, and compliance with laws such as GDPR are integral, especially for sensitive topics.

Best practices include pilot testing or cognitive interviews, pretests, careful wording to avoid double-barreled or leading questions, and randomization where appropriate. Transparent reporting of response rates, limitations, and methodology is encouraged to support interpretation and reproducibility.