This paper examines key concepts in social science research methodology with a focus on mail survey design. The first section addresses how to approach sensitive research topics — such as child abuse — including strategies for question framing, respondent motivation, and appropriate evaluation methods. The second section presents a complete mail survey instrument designed to measure employee job satisfaction, including an introductory study description, a cover letter, a reminder postcard, and a structured questionnaire. Together, these components illustrate best practices for designing surveys that are confidential, clear, and likely to generate meaningful responses from participants.
Various research studies are carried out at the community level to assist in creating awareness, addressing social issues, and educating the public on matters of concern. When conducting this type of work, it is considered essential to recognize basic research terminologies and related concepts, especially when dealing with social science research. This contextual understanding of research is a cornerstone for establishing sound methodologies for retrieving information from community-sensitive issues such as child abuse.
The best way to ask sensitive questions is by using open-ended questions. The question should not be directed personally at the respondent but expressed indirectly, giving the respondent an open opportunity to answer or make a general contribution (Royse et al., 2009). For instance, asking "What is your opinion about jail sentences for rapists?" is open-ended in that the respondent can draw on personal experience or refer to a specific incident without feeling targeted.
Although it may be difficult, respondents may answer sensitive questions as a way of expressing deep thoughts on a given subject. In addition, a respondent may open up from a personal perspective as a means of contributing to a solution — helping to prevent further harm and unfortunate occurrences (Marsden & Wright, 2010). Understanding respondent motivation is a key consideration in survey methodology, particularly when the subject matter involves trauma or stigma.
The social programs of greatest interest here are food and security programs in rural and countryside communities. Programs in these areas play a leading role in maintaining an adequate living standard for people living below the poverty line.
A significant body of research has been conducted on food and security programs to establish the level of demand for both security and food among communities. It is fundamental to understand these aspects, as they determine the needs of people in a given area. For instance, food programs require knowledge of the local population and an understanding of residents' living standards. As reported by Klug and Tim (2012), research has been conducted on social food programs by organizations such as the World Food Programme and the FAO to determine the relief required in different regions.
Conducting research assessments is essential for providing relief and for the effective administration of social programs. This is primarily due to the need to understand the depth of the problem and devise better means to address the issue — meeting the demand of the people and solving the problem at its root.
This research was designed to establish employees' views about job satisfaction across various departments of the company. The survey consists of 75 employees, with at least 15 employees selected from each department, including departmental leaders. The survey is conducted using a mail survey method, whereby randomly selected employees are mailed questionnaires containing questions to assess their experiences at work. To enhance response rates, each participant will also receive a phone call to confirm their participation in the study.
Dear Employee,
The Human Resource Department, together with the administration of the company, is conducting a survey to determine job satisfaction within the organization. The survey primarily focuses on the satisfaction that individuals have in their jobs from the time of employment to the present date. The survey is meant to establish whether workers have received what was promised at the time of their appointment. The findings will be used to devise better and more effective means of enhancing job satisfaction, increasing productivity, and supporting the growth of the company toward achieving its objectives.
The mail survey will be conducted in a discreet and confidential manner. All worker information received via mail will be handled with complete confidentiality and regarded as personal. Because it may be difficult to verify whether a given worker intends to respond, reminder cards will be sent to your mail address after two weeks.
The top leadership of the company has approved this study, and the information obtained will be submitted in a report to the Human Resource Manager for further implementation. If you have any questions concerning the survey, please forward your concerns to your departmental leader for a prompt response.
Thank you,
Human Resource Manager
Dear Employee,
Warm regards from the survey team within the Human Resource Department. We sent you a survey questionnaire two weeks ago to gather your perceptions of job satisfaction at the company. We are sincerely grateful to those who have already submitted their completed questionnaires. However, we still need responses from those who have not yet submitted theirs. If you have not yet completed the survey, please return your completed questionnaire as soon as possible. If you have lost your questionnaire or did not receive one, please send us feedback immediately so that we can provide you with a replacement. Your timely response is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Human Resource Manager
Instructions: Please answer the following questions based on your own personal experience at the company. If you are unable to answer any question, kindly skip it and proceed to the next. This exercise will take approximately 5 minutes.
1. In what department do you work?
............................................
"Full survey package with questionnaire items"
You’re 76% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.