Training Needs in Survey Research Methods: An Overview

There is a wonderful challenge facing the field of survey methodology. With high demand for survey-based information and increasing complexity in the socio-economic environment within which we collect these data, survey researchers and survey methodologists are faced with ensuring our workforce is well trained to meet the need for high quality, timely, and cost-effective survey data. This article presents the impetus for this special issue of Survey Practice on training needs in survey research methods and provides an overview of our field of study, the job environment, and some of the key challenges to successful training in survey research.