"There is a prevalence of survey usage across third level Institutes. Surveys are sometimes regarded as an easy approach to obtaining opinions and measurements. However, it is easy to conduct a survey of poor quality rather than one of high quality and real value. This seminar will provide a checklist of good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. Its purpose is to assist the participants to produce survey work to a high standard, meaning a standard at which the results will be regarded as credible. The seminar will first provide an overview of the approach to questionnaire design and then guide the participants step-by-step through the processes of data collection, data analysis, and storage. The seminar is not intended to provide a manual of how to conduct a survey, but rather to identify common pitfalls and oversights to be avoided by researchers if their work is to be valid and credible. Anyone involved in collecting data from subjects has an ethical duty to respect each individual participant’s autonomy. All surveys should be conducted in an ethical manner and one that accords with best practice. Confidentiality with regard to all participant information should always be respected, with due care given in both the collection, recording, storage and destruction of data. The seminar will highlight the importance and role of ethics, research integrity and data storage in questionnaire design. This seminar was particularly relevant to academic staff, i.e. lecturers, supervisors and researchers, but was also relevant to professional management support staff. Participants attending this seminar gained insights into: The steps involved in designing a reliable questionnaire such as qualities of good questions, questionnaire length, question wording, order of questions, etc. The importance of a Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP) in questionnaire design. How meeting ethical standards ensures researchers act in good faith and protects the integrity of the resulting data. Processes to help us to be aware of, respect and protect the personal data collected."

"The seminar provided an overview of the new Human Research Ethics processes that came into effect across the University on 01 September (as approved by the Research Council and Academic Council in AY 21/22), including: Human Research Ethics Policy, Human Research Ethics Screening Checklist, Human Research Ethics Application Forms. In parallel with the above mentioned documents, information on a new suite of learning resources to aid in the implementation of the processes will be presented. The seminar should be of interest to colleagues carrying out research studies involving human participants including, but not limited to: Data collection using research methods such as questionnaires, web surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, etc. Access to, or utilisation of, anonymised datasets or case files/records concerning identifiable individuals. Conducting internet mediated research. "

"The seminar provided an overview of the new Human Research Ethics processes that came into effect across the University on 01 September (as approved by the Research Council and Academic Council in AY 21/22), including: Human Research Ethics Policy, Human Research Ethics Screening Checklist, Human Research Ethics Application Forms. In parallel with the above mentioned documents, information on a new suite of learning resources to aid in the implementation of the processes will be presented. The seminar should be of interest to colleagues carrying out research studies involving human participants including, but not limited to: Data collection using research methods such as questionnaires, web surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, etc. Access to, or utilisation of, anonymised datasets or case files/records concerning identifiable individuals. Conducting internet mediated research. "