Scientific Coordination
Dr.
Sebastian E. Wenz
Tel: +49 221 47694-159
Sebastian E. Wenz
Tel: +49 221 47694-159
Administrative Coordination
Angelika Ruf
Tel: +49 221 47694-162
Tel: +49 221 47694-162
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Course 7: Factorial Survey Design
About
Location:
Cologne
Cologne
General Topics:
Course Level:
Format:
Software used:
Duration:
5 days
Language:
Fees:
Students: 500 €
Academics: 750 €
Commercial: 1500 €
Keywords:
Additional links
Lecturer(s): Prof. Dr. Katrin Auspurg, Prof. Dr. Carsten Sauer, Sabine Düval
Course description
The factorial survey design (“vignette analysis”) is a method that integrates multi-factorial experimental set-ups into surveys. Respondents are asked to evaluate hypothetical situations, objects, or persons. By systematically varying attributes of the descriptions, it is possible to determine their influence on respondents' stated attitudes, decisions, or choices. The experimental variation of the stimuli makes it possible to estimate the influence of each attribute on the evaluation. The factorial survey method is therefore an appropriate instrument for testing theoretical predictions. Moreover, because the experiment is embedded in a survey questionnaire, it is possible to reach heterogeneous sample populations.
This course provides a theoretical and practical overview of factorial survey methods. Participants will gain practical insights into all the single steps necessary to design a factorial survey experiment: (1) construction of vignettes, (2) selection of an experimental design, (3) drafting and programming of questionnaires (for online surveys as well as paper and pencil surveys), (4) data management, and (5) data analysis techniques (e.g., multilevel analyses, willingness to pay estimates). The course is structured as follows: Instructors will provide an overview on factorial survey experiments and explain practical tasks. Participants work on the tasks in individual “hands on” exercises. For the practical exercises, participants may choose a research question related to their own research (e.g., PhD project).
For most practical analyses, the statistical software package Stata will be used (prior knowledge required!). For setting up experimental designs and programming of questionnaires we use the software packages SAS and QuestBack (no prior knowledge required). The method is NOT connected to (confirmatory or explorative) factor analysis. Moreover, the course does not cover anchoring and video vignettes.
The detailed syllabus with course times and literature will be available soon.
Target group
Participants will find the course useful if:
Learning objectives
By the end of the course participants will:
Organizational Structure of the Course
The course consists of 4 hours of classroom instruction (9:00-13:00) and individual exercises in the afternoon.
Classroom instruction: The instructors provide an overview of different methodological aspects of factorial survey design, including statistical, experimental and survey methodology background, and explain the tasks for the hands-on exercises.
Individual exercises: In each exercise, participants are expected to work on assignments in the PC pool. Participants may use these exercises to advance factorial survey designs that are related to their own research projects (e.g., PhD projects) and discuss the results with other participants and the instructors. The instructors are available in the PC pool for 2 hours to assist with the exercises or to discuss specific research problems. If time permits, participants may consult instructors for more extensive help and guidance on their personal projects.
Prerequisites
Software and Hardware Requirements
Stata and R will be used for exercises. GESIS will provide participants with access to the statistical software packages used in the course (i.e., Stata, R). Students may use their own laptops if they are using R or have their own Stata licence.
Covid-19 related regulations for on-site classes
Although there are currently no legal requirements due to the Covid-19 pandemic for participation in our on-site training events, we suggest that you adhere to the recommendations given on the following site: https://www.integrationsbeauftragte.de/ib-de/staatsministerin/corona/what-do-you-currently-need-to-know-about-corona-englisch--1876282
Please note that regulations might change on short notice depending on the nationwide or local state of the pandemic. We therefore suggest that you only register for an on-site class, if you are fully vaccinated (according to EU law) by the time the class starts and are willing to wear a mask in the GESIS building and in class.
Participants from abroad should make sure that they understand and fulfill the requirements to enter Germany as summarized on this website.
Please find more general information on our Covid-19 info website and carefully read all emails we send to you. Thank you, stay safe and healthy!