ABSTRACT
Following a brief discussion about data collection in general, this chapter focuses on the importance of survey development. Even the initial step, writing survey questions to collect the data needed instead of the data desired, is easier said than done. The chapter discusses the strategies for writing effective survey questions, offering educators and students opportunities to create and test simple surveys. It provides a set of questions for reflection and a list of suggested resources. When presented with numbers gathered using various processes, most consumers accept the numbers at face value, seldom questioning how they were collected in the first place. Students make observations and gather data starting at a very young age, but designing and testing data collection instruments is a more sophisticated skill. By the time they reach Grade 6, most students are able to think critically about strategies for developing survey questions that will result in the collection of accurate data.
