And the question is... Evaluating the Validity of a Survey

Surveys are an important tool when doing research and learning to evaluate information. In this lesson, students consider the purpose and meaning of surveys, learn what types of questions are asked, evaluate the validity of a specific survey, and write in their journals to reflect on what they have learned. This full lesson plan focuses on three aspects: Exploring the meaning and purpose of surveys in writing and through discussions, improving comprehension of how surveys work by learning what types of questions are asked when conducting surveys, and finally determining the validity of a survey and its conclusions by reading, discussing, and analyzing the results. 

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of...
CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.A.1
Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n x a)/(n x b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size...
CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.A.2
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to...
CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.5
Express a fraction with denominator 10 as an equivalent fraction with denominator 100, and use this technique to add two fractions with respective...
CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.6
Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100. For example, rewrite 0.62 as 62/100; describe a length as 0.62 meters; locate 0.62...
CLE 3001.4.1
Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
CLE 3001.4.2
Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
CLE 3001.4.3
Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
CLE 3001.4.4
Write an extended research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
CLE 3001.4.5
Use a standard format to arrange text, to cite sources correctly, and to document quotations, paraphrases, and other information.
CLE 3001.5.5
Analyze written and oral communication for persuasive devices.
CLE 3001.7.4
Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
CLE 3002.4.1
Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
CLE 3002.4.2
Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
CLE 3002.4.3
Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
CLE 3002.4.4
Write an extended research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
CLE 3002.4.5
Use a standard format to arrange text, to cite sources correctly, and to document quotations, paraphrases, and other information.
CLE 3003.4.2
Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0406.2.4
Understand and use the connections between fractions and decimals.
GLE 0406.2.5
Add and subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators.
SPI 0406.2.5
Generate equivalent forms of common fractions and decimals and use them to compare size.
SPI 0406.2.6
Use the symbols and = to compare common fractions and decimals in both increasing and decreasing order.
SPI 0506.2.7
Recognize equivalent representations for the same number.
SPI 3001.4.4
Evaluate the validity of Web pages as sources of information.
SPI 3001.4.6
Identify information that must be cited or attributed within a writing sample.
SPI 3002.4.4
Evaluate the validity of Web pages as sources of information.
SPI 3002.4.6
Identify information that must be cited or attributed within a writing sample.
TSS.ELA.11-12.W.RBPK.8
Use advanced searches effectively, assessing the credibility and effectiveness of sources in answering a research question; integrate relevant and...
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.KID.2
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development; provide an objective or critical summary.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.KID.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development; provide an objective or critical summary.
TSS.ELA.9-10.W.PDW.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity...
TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.7
Conduct and write short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem by...
TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.8
Use multiple search terms to generate a variety of print and digital sources; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of...
TSS.Math.4.NF.A.1
Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (axn)/(bxn) or (a/n)/(b/n) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size...
TSS.Math.4.NF.A.2
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators by creating common denominators or common numerators or by comparing to a...
TSS.Math.4.NF.C.5
Express a fraction with denominator 10 as an equivalent fraction with denominator 100, and use this technique to add two fractions with respective...
TSS.Math.4.NF.C.6
Read and write decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100. Locate these decimals on a number line.
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 

Student Objectives:

Students will

  • Explore the meaning and purpose of surveys in writing and through discussions.
  • Improve comprehension of how surveys work by learning what types of questions are asked when conducting surveys.
  • Determine the validity of a survey and its conclusions by reading, discussing, and analyzing the results.
  • Improve skills in critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and reflective writing.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

  • Conduct the companion lesson "And the Question Is... Writing Good Survey Questions" to enable students to continue examining effective survey questions and to create their own survey to administer to classmates.
  • To reinforce real-life application of the knowledge and skills attained in this lesson, have students analyze other surveys. Some examples are available from The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.
  • Ask students to analyze a news broadcast (perhaps using an online transcript) to determine what could have been added or eliminated to present the information differently. Also, what kind of survey information might have contributed to more information for the broadcast?

Helpful Hints

Materials and Technology:

  • Computers with Internet access
  • Overhead projector and transparencies, LCD projector, or a whiteboard (optional)

References

Contributors: