Research Paper Undergraduate 520 words

Survey-Based Patient Satisfaction Data Collection Plan

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Abstract

This paper presents a survey-based data collection plan designed to assess patient satisfaction in a healthcare service setting. Drawing on Keough and Tanabe's (2011) framework for nursing survey research, the paper justifies the use of a questionnaire instrument, outlines variable selection — including patient wait time, staff friendliness, treatment delivery, and likelihood to recommend — and explains sampling, administration, and bias-reduction strategies. The paper also provides the full set of survey questions with corresponding response scales. Together, the plan and instrument demonstrate how purposive sampling, anonymity, and a one-month collection window contribute to reliability, face validity, and construct validity in patient experience research.

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What makes this paper effective

The paper clearly connects methodological choices — such as purposive sampling and anonymity — to specific validity and reliability goals, demonstrating purposeful research design rather than arbitrary decisions.
It integrates a real citation (Keough & Tanabe, 2011) to justify the choice of survey methodology, grounding practical decisions in published nursing research literature.
The transition from narrative rationale to a structured instrument is well-organized, allowing the reader to see exactly how abstract variables translate into concrete, measurable questions.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper demonstrates operationalization — the process of converting abstract concepts (e.g., "staff friendliness") into specific, measurable survey items with defined response scales. This is a foundational skill in quantitative and mixed-methods research design, and the paper applies it consistently across all four variable categories.

Structure breakdown

The paper opens with a methodological justification section that explains why surveys are appropriate and how the instrument was designed to maximize validity. A second section addresses sampling strategy, administration procedures, and bias reduction. The paper then transitions to the actual survey instrument, listing all questions with their response options, followed by a references section. This two-part structure — rationale followed by instrument — is typical of applied research methods writing at the undergraduate level.

Overview of the Data Collection Method

The most widely used research method for this type of scenario is the survey, chosen for the flexibility it provides (Keough & Tanabe, 2011). A questionnaire instrument is appropriate because it asks questions that are clear and concise, measurable, and attentive to the relevant variables. The questions presented define the expected outcomes and drive the overall project design.

The variables used for the survey include patient wait time, staff friendliness, treatment delivery, and whether the participant would recommend the service to others. A comment section was added at the end of the questionnaire to give participants the opportunity for additional input and suggestions, and to signal that their feedback is genuinely valued.

For the first three variables, three specific questions are asked for each in order to ensure expected outcomes and higher face validity in participants' understanding of the questions. These specific questions also provide higher construct validity and reliability of expected outcomes and specific answers. To decrease the limitation of self-reported data and reduce social desirability bias, participants are not asked for any personal identifying information, such as name or diagnosis.

A purposive sample would be drawn from the specific population of existing patients. Administering the questionnaire to the patient at the end of service ensures delivery of the instrument. A friendly explanatory note at the beginning of the questionnaire informs the participant that the survey is intended to gather information to improve service, giving patients a clear benefit — better care over time. This approach reduces response bias, improves the reliability of information gathered, and supports a higher anticipated response rate for an adequate sample size. A one-month collection window provides better assurance of an appropriate response rate and sufficient data for analysis of results.

Survey Variables and Instrument Design

Patient wait time:

How long did you wait before being registered? <5 min / 5 min / 10 min / longer

How long did you wait to be called after being registered? <5 min / 5 min / 10 min / longer

Once called, how long did it take to see the doctor? <5 min / 5 min / 10 min / longer

Staff friendliness:

How would you rate the friendliness of staff? Very unfriendly / Somewhat unfriendly / Somewhat friendly / Friendly / Very friendly

Sampling Strategy and Administration

How would you rate the helpfulness of staff? Very unhelpful / Somewhat unhelpful / Helpful / Somewhat helpful / Very helpful

Rate the quality of time staff provided: Hurried / Inattentive / Took time to listen to concerns

Treatment:

Were treatment options available? Yes / No

Were treatment options explained? Yes / No

2 Locked Sections · 200 words remaining

Survey Questions · 180 words

"Full list of questions with response scales"

References · 20 words

"APA citation for Keough and Tanabe 2011"

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Key Concepts in This Paper

Patient Satisfaction Survey Research Purposive Sampling Construct Validity Face Validity Response Bias Wait Time Staff Friendliness Treatment Delivery Instrument Design