Simulating surveys for graduate researcher development

Front Res Metr Anal. 2024 May 1:9:1360333. doi: 10.3389/frma.2024.1360333. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Recognizing the value of experiential education in social/behavioral science research training, we designed and offered a simulation of a survey research project for doctoral students in education. Through three phases of the project, from instrument design through scale investigation and quantitative analyses, students are developed as researchers in a realistic and authentic way. In this paper, we highlight the advantages, challenges, and outcomes from applying simulation methods within graduate research methods courses, with a specific focus on survey methodology and quantitative skill development.

Keywords: data simulation; graduate student research; item development; statistics education; survey design; survey methods; survey simulation.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Publication of this article was funded by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Open Access Fund.