Total Survey Design

Dr. Azdren Coma and Dr. Seon Yup Lee
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Total Survey Design is a podcast for explaining the complexities of survey design. This podcast serves a diverse audience, including academics, small business owners, nonprofits, industry professionals, and students. Each season features episodes covering topics from survey utility to sample sizes, and question design to total survey error. Episode content includes insightful discussions, expert interviews, and special event coverage to enhance your survey skills and understanding.

  1. Survey Weighting: When It Helps And When It Hurts

    12/08/2025

    Survey Weighting: When It Helps And When It Hurts

    This episode of the Total Survey Design podcast demystifies the statistical technique of survey weighting (or post-stratification), explaining how it corrects sample imbalances by giving "quiet groups" more influence. The hosts define weighting, detail when it's an effective correction tool for probability samples, and provide practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls like over-adjustment that can hurt data precision. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    10 min
  2. Nonresponse Error. Part 1 - Why Response Rate Does Not Necessarily Predict Nonresponse Error

    12/01/2025

    Nonresponse Error. Part 1 - Why Response Rate Does Not Necessarily Predict Nonresponse Error

    This episode explains the important distinction between response rate and nonresponse error in survey research. Drawing on principles from Dillman et al.(2014), it clarifies that a high response rate does not necessarily mean low nonresponse error, and vice versa. Through two practical examples, the episode illustrates how systematic differences between respondents and nonrespondents -- not the number of responses -- determine the presence of nonresponse error. The episode emphasizes that evaluating survey quality requires more than just looking at response rates; it requires understanding potential bias in who does and does not respond. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    5 min
  3. A Conversation with Mark Miazga, Director of University Survey & Assessment Services at U of Minnesota

    11/23/2025

    A Conversation with Mark Miazga, Director of University Survey & Assessment Services at U of Minnesota

    In this episode, the hosts speak with Mark Miazga, Director of University Survey and Assessment Services at the University of Minnesota, about his journey into survey research. Mark shares how his upbringing in rural Wisconsin and a background in law and nonprofit work shaped his perspective on data and public service. The conversation covers his transition from corporate law to survey methodology, his work managing complex institutional surveys, and how empathy and practical experience influence his approach to data collection and analysis. The discussion also touches on bridging gaps between institutional research and survey methodology, as well as a discussion of an institution-wide survey calendar, survey timing, and sampling. The episode wraps up with four points of advice for future surveyors.  Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    1h 6m
  4. A Conversation with Rob Santos, U.S. Census Bureau Director

    11/16/2025

    A Conversation with Rob Santos, U.S. Census Bureau Director

    In this episode, we talk with Robert Santos, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau from 2022 to 2025, about his professional journey and philosophy toward data and public service. Rob shares how his upbringing in a Mexican American community in San Antonio and how his early exposure to music and math shaped his path into statistics. The conversation explores his commitment to equity in data, the importance of cultural understanding in survey design, and his reflections on his time at the Census. He also discusses challenges and innovations in modern data collection (including the use of AI), and the trade-offs between cost, quality, and timeliness in survey methodology. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    46 min
  5. A Critique of Microsoft Word’s Feedback Survey

    08/03/2025

    A Critique of Microsoft Word’s Feedback Survey

    In this episode, I talk about a survey I didn’t plan to analyze—one that popped up the moment I opened Microsoft Word. Microsoft asked for feedback, and well… I had some. I break down the flaws in their opening question, including directional bias, vague wording, and unlabeled scale points. I also reflect on how these design choices impact data quality and what could have been done better. It’s a reminder that even the most common surveys we see in the wild from even the biggest tech giants can teach us a lot about what not to do. If you just enjoy a good critique, you’ll want to stick around for this one. Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com. And follow us on Instagram @totalsurveydesign. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    13 min
  6. An Interview with Jon Krosnick on Survey Design, Public Opinion, and Scientific Rigor

    06/16/2025

    An Interview with Jon Krosnick on Survey Design, Public Opinion, and Scientific Rigor

    In this episode of Total Survey Design, Dr. Azdren Coma and Dr. Seon Yup Lee interview Dr. Jon Krosnick, a leading expert on political behavior, survey methodology, and public opinion. Dr. Krosnick is a professor at Stanford University who has advised the U.S. Census Bureau, led national studies on voting behavior and climate change, and published extensively on how people form attitudes and make decisions. Recorded at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel during the 2025 AAPOR conference, this conversation covers Dr. Krosnick’s career path, the role of mentorship, and his research on trust and measurement validity. The episode also addresses broader topics in academia, such as the pressures of publishing, the importance of constructive feedback, and the value of humility and replication in science.  Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    58 min
  7. An Interview with Thom Allen

    03/24/2025

    An Interview with Thom Allen

    In this episode I sat down with Thom to talk about surveys. We talked about his time at the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center, working with Don Dillman on various projects including the 2000 U.S. Census, some of his favorite projects, my dissertation survey, the application of the Tailored Design Method on a wide variety of cultures, and much more. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    1h 1m
  8. Season 1 Finale

    09/22/2024

    Season 1 Finale

    In this episode, we do a small retrospective on the first season. We also look ahead to see what is to come. We also give a call to action, seeking your support to ensure that this project continues to exist into the future. If you would like to support us, you can do so by visiting our Ko-fi page at: https://ko-fi.com/totalsurveydesign Thank you. Support the show Find us online at: instagram.com/totalsurveydesign/ https://taplink.cc/totalsurveydesign Contact us at: totalsurveydesign@gmail.com

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Total Survey Design is a podcast for explaining the complexities of survey design. This podcast serves a diverse audience, including academics, small business owners, nonprofits, industry professionals, and students. Each season features episodes covering topics from survey utility to sample sizes, and question design to total survey error. Episode content includes insightful discussions, expert interviews, and special event coverage to enhance your survey skills and understanding.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Azdren Coma and Dr. Seon Yup Lee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Total Survey Design
  • Show Website
    Total Survey Design