Survey Methods in Relationship Research

Survey Study Design

There are two standard survey designs that will be reviewed in this section: cross-sectional and panel. Cross-sectional surveys entail collecting data from a sample at a single point in time. Although researchers are not able to study change over time when using a cross-sectional design, they are able to examine the associations between variables at a given time. Cross-sectional surveys are often used by relationship researchers because they are a cost-effective way to fulfill research objectives. For example, sometimes relationship researchers are interested in knowing the association between two variables at a given time (e.g., how the current level of perceived need fulfillment is associated with the current level of satisfaction with a relationship). In such cases, cross-sectional designs are preferred because they provide data relevant to a researcher's hypotheses at minimal cost and effort.

However, there are many instances when researchers are interested in how a relationship changes over time. In such instances, panel surveys are used. Panel surveys are a type of longitudinal study in which the same respondents are asked questions at two or more time periods. Researchers using panel surveys are able to examine how changes in one variable over time are associated with changes in another variable (or variables). Thus, panel studies may provide researchers with some insight regarding the influence of one variable on another (although it must be noted that only an experiment, properly conducted, has the possibility of yielding definitive causal information). It is also possible to examine the stability versus change of variables over time with panel surveys. Panel surveys have the disadvantage of relying on respondents to answer questions at more than one time point. Although many people are willing to participate in one cross-sectional survey, fewer are willing to commit to participating in multiple surveys without some incentive (e.g., cash payment). In addition, it can be difficult to retain people in a study if they have moved away from the original site of the investigation or if their relationship has ended or taken a negative turn. Moreover, panel survey respondents may become aware of what is being studied after participating in the initial survey, and this awareness may influence their responses to subsequent surveys.

Once a study design is selected, researchers must decide from whom they will attempt to collect data by selecting a sample.

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