Assessing survey research literature in the Journal of Biocommunication

Recent survey research has often been used to study trends and developments in biomedical communication. Guidelines for conducting effective surveys are presented and followed by content analysis of 14 survey research reports published in the Journal of Biocommunication from 1980 through 1984 which revealed strengths and weaknesses. In general, information about survey purpose, population identification, analysis and conclusions was reported well, and information about sampling techniques, instrument design and data collection methods was inadequate. Recommendations are presented for future survey research.