How To Cite A Survey

How to Cite a Survey: A Comprehensive Guide for Researchers and Students

Surveys are a cornerstone of research across numerous disciplines, from sociology and marketing to political science and healthcare. Understanding how to properly cite a survey is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit where it's due. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of citing surveys, covering different citation styles and offering practical advice to avoid common pitfalls. We'll explore how to cite online surveys, internal company surveys, and published survey data, ensuring you're equipped to handle any citation scenario.

Understanding the Nuances of Survey Citation

Before diving into specific citation styles, it's essential to understand what constitutes a "survey" in the context of academic citation. A survey isn't simply a questionnaire; it's a research method involving the systematic collection of data from a sample population to gather information on a specific topic. Therefore, the way you cite a survey depends on how you accessed the survey data. Did you access the raw data directly? Did you use data published in a journal article or report? Or did you participate in the survey yourself? These distinctions significantly impact your citation method.

The key components you'll need to cite a survey effectively include:

• Author(s) or Organization: Who conducted the survey? This could be an individual researcher, a research team, a university department, or a company.
• Year of Publication (or Data Collection): When was the survey conducted? This is crucial for understanding the context of the data.
• Title of the Survey (or Report): What was the survey called? This helps identify the specific research project.
• Source of the Data: Where did you obtain the survey data? This might be a journal article, a website, a report, or a direct link to the survey instrument.
• Date of Access (for online sources): If you accessed the survey data online, note the date you retrieved it.

Common Citation Styles and How to Apply Them

Different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) have specific requirements for citing surveys. Let's explore how to cite a survey using some of the most widely used styles:

1. APA (American Psychological Association) Style:

APA style prioritizes conciseness and clarity. The way you cite a survey in APA depends heavily on the source of your data.

• If you accessed survey data through a published article: Cite the article as you would any other journal article. The survey itself becomes part of the larger work. For example:

  Smith, J. (2023). The impact of social media on political polarization. Journal of Communication, 73(2), 123-145.

• If you accessed raw survey data directly (e.g., from a data repository): You'll need to provide as much detail as possible about the dataset, including the title, author, date, and source.

  National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Data. [Dataset]. Retrieved from [URL or database name]

• If citing a specific survey question or response: Include the question number or label in parentheses after the citation.

2. MLA (Modern Language Association) Style:

MLA style is commonly used in the humanities. Similar to APA, the citation method depends on the source.

• If using data from a published source: Cite the source article. The survey is implicit within the broader context of the article. For example:

  Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization." Journal of Communication, vol. 73, no. 2, 2023, pp. 123-145.

• If you have direct access to the survey data: Provide as much detail as you can about the survey instrument and its source. The format will generally be similar to an APA citation of raw data.

• When referencing specific findings: It's crucial to be clear about the specific findings you're drawing upon and to include page numbers or other relevant locators.

3. Chicago Style (Notes and Bibliography):

Chicago style utilizes footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography.

• In-text citation (footnote/endnote): Provide a concise citation with the author(s) and year. For instance:

  ¹ John Smith, The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization (Journal of Communication, 73, no. 2 [2023]: 123-145).

• Bibliography entry: Include full bibliographic information in the bibliography section. This would mirror the information provided in the footnote or endnote, expanding on the details as needed.

4. Citing Online Surveys:

When citing online surveys, it's crucial to include the URL and access date. If the survey has an official title or name, include that as well. The exact format will vary depending on the style guide but generally looks like this (APA example):

Organization Name. (Year). Survey Title. [Online Survey]. Retrieved [Date], from [URL]

Specific Scenarios and Citation Considerations

Let's delve into some specific scenarios and address potential challenges in citing survey data:

1. Internal Company Surveys:

If you are citing an internal survey conducted within your company, the citation process needs to reflect the lack of public accessibility. Internal documents generally aren't subject to the same rigorous citation standards as published works. However, you should still identify the author (or department), the date of the survey, the survey title (if any), and any internal identification number if available. The focus should be on accurate and clear identification for internal use.

2. Surveys with No Formal Publication:

When dealing with surveys lacking formal publication, you need to provide as much information as possible to locate the data. This may involve specifying the organization that conducted the survey, the date of the survey, the sample size, and any other relevant details. You might also include a description of the survey methodology in your text.

3. Citing Survey Questions:

When directly quoting survey questions, treat them as quotations within your text. Use quotation marks, and provide appropriate citations to the original survey instrument. For instance: "What is your favorite social media platform? (Survey Question 3)"

4. Citing Aggregate Data from Surveys:

Often, you might not cite the raw data from a survey but rather the analysis and interpretation of aggregate data published in an article or report. In such instances, your citation should refer to that secondary source, not the original survey. This emphasizes that you're acknowledging the work and interpretation of others.

5. Surveys Distributed Through Third-Party Platforms:

If the survey was distributed through a platform like SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics, you might consider mentioning the platform in your citation to add context but the focus should still be on the organization that commissioned and conducted the survey, not the platform itself.

Avoiding Plagiarism and Ensuring Accuracy

Accuracy and integrity are paramount when citing surveys. Avoid plagiarism by properly attributing all data and interpretations. Clearly distinguish between your own analysis and the findings of the original survey. If you're drawing conclusions from the survey data, state your interpretations explicitly. Always double-check the accuracy of your citations to ensure they are consistent with the chosen style guide. If you're unsure about any aspect of the citation process, consult your professor, instructor, or a style guide manual.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Survey Citation

• Q: What if the survey doesn't have an author? A: If no author is identified, cite the organization or institution responsible for conducting the survey.

• Q: What if I used multiple surveys in my research? A: Cite each survey individually, following the appropriate style guide for each reference.

• Q: How do I cite a survey in a presentation? A: While the format might differ slightly, the essential information (author, date, source) remains the same. Use a concise version of the citation and provide a full reference list for your presentation.

• Q: What if the survey data is confidential or not publicly available? A: Unless explicitly granted permission by the data owner, you cannot cite confidential or non-public survey data in a public document.

• Q: Is it necessary to cite every single survey question? A: No, you only need to cite the questions or data you directly reference in your work.

Conclusion: The Importance of Proper Citation

Mastering the art of citing surveys is crucial for any researcher or student who utilizes survey data in their work. By following the guidelines provided in this guide and adhering to the specific requirements of chosen citation styles, you can ensure accurate and ethical attribution of survey data, upholding academic integrity and contributing to the wider scholarly community. Remember, the key is to be clear, consistent, and comprehensive in your citations, providing enough information to allow others to easily locate the source material. Consistency in citation is critical for building a robust and credible body of work. Careful and precise citation practices are vital steps in establishing trust and accountability within the academic and research landscapes.