How we created a representative sample of adult Twitter users in the U.S.
Having a sample of adult Twitter users allows researchers to filter out bots, minors, institutional accounts and international users.
A behind-the-scenes blog about research methods at Pew Research Center.
For our latest findings, visit pewresearch.org.
Survey Methods
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How we designed a scale to measure Americans’ knowledge of international affairs
Pew Research Center recently sought to measure what U.S. adults know about geography, foreign leaders, institutions and other issues.
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Behind Pew Research Center’s 2021 political typology
The typology study examines U.S. politics through the prism of people’s values and attitudes, not just their party labels.
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Why do some open-ended survey questions result in higher item nonresponse rates than others?
Nonresponse rates for open-ended survey questions on Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel can range from 3% to just over 50%.
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Validating 2020 voters in Pew Research Center’s survey data
Surveys that ask about voting can be made more accurate by validating respondents’ self-reported turnout with official voting records.
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Using cognitive interviewing to design survey questions about democracy
Asking follow-up questions can help make sure that poll respondents are interpreting questions as intended.
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Developing survey questions on sensitive topics in India
Asking balanced questions required investing considerable time and effort into developing and testing the questionnaire.
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Examining how survey mode affects Americans’ views of international affairs
Responses to survey questions asked online can differ from those asked on the phone.
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The impact of survey mode on measuring public opinion in Italy
Using a “bridge survey,” we simultaneously fielded identical questions and response options via both in-person and telephone interviews.
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What different survey modes and question types can tell us about Americans’ views of China
Regardless of mode or measure, most Americans have a negative view of China – and opinions have become more unfavorable in recent years.
