A case study approach to understanding total survey error and institutional research

Total Survey Error (TSE) is a component of Total Survey Quality (TSQ) that provides a framework for assessing the extent to which a survey is ‘fitfor-purpose’. While TSQ looks at a number of dimensions, such as relevance, credibility and accessibility, TSE has an operational focus on accuracy and minimising errors. Mitigating survey error involves finding a balance between achieving a survey with minimal error and a survey that is affordable. TSE was used to provide a conceptual framework for evaluating the design of the University Experience Survey (UES) and offers a structured approach to making decisions about changing and enhancing the UES to support continuous improvement. The implications of TSE for institutional researchers that are seeking to improve the conduct of their survey research and their dataare discussed using the UES as a case study