Challenging Issues in Survey Research: Discussion and Suggestions

We address a series of potential concerns that may arise when applying the survey method. These include: (1) the use of non-random sampling techniques (particularly convenience sampling) and the associated issue of generalizability, (2) the reliance on human informants and biased perceptions in construct measurement, (3) the dependence on single-source data and the problem of common method bias, and (4) the problem of correlated omitted variables. We discuss how (and when) these concerns can affect statistical inferences. Although we conclude that these concerns are easily overstated, we suggest that researchers demonstrate that they either do not apply in their particular research setting, or discuss how they are mitigated.