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The use of surveys in interest group research

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Abstract

Scholars utilize a variety of research methods in studies of interest group formation, presence and influence. From aggregate counts of interest group populations to in-depth participant observation, scholars have used a variety of methods in studies of interest groups' role(s) in the policy process. The application of survey research has proven to be a successful method for obtaining group-specific information across a variety of group types and settings. Though organizational sampling and methods of survey dissemination can differ dramatically across studies, the subfield lacks a comprehensive review of the use of surveys within interest group research. This paucity leaves unanswered several questions regarding the frequency and efficacy of survey research within the subfield. What types of questions have been answered via surveys of organizations? What benefits are provided by this methodological approach? What challenges emerge when surveying interest groups and how have scholars overcome these obstacles? These questions are pertinent to scholars of interest groups and survey researchers alike, and this review provides guidance for the construction and dissemination of future interest group surveys.

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Notes

  1. Information about the approach used to identify studies for inclusion in this review, as well as information about the studies’ research questions and samples, can be found in an online appendix hosted on the Interest Groups & Advocacy website (www.palgrave-journals.com/iga).

  2. For more information about the benefits of mixed methodological surveys, see Leeuw, E.D. (2005).

  3. Detailed information about the INTEREURO project appears in a special issue of Interest Groups & Advocacy: Beyers et al. (2014b)

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Further Reading

  • Berry and Arons (2003); Binderkrantz (2008); Browne (1990); Cigler (1985); Grossman (2012); Hansen (1985); Hojnacki and Kimball (1999); Hojnacki and Kimball (2001); Hojnacki et al. (2012); Imig (1992); Imig and Meyer (1993); McFarland (1984); Rothenberg (1992); Salisbury et al. (1987); Schlozman and Tierney (1986); Whitmarsh and Palmieri (2008); Zeigler and Baer (1969)

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Marchetti, K. The use of surveys in interest group research. Int Groups Adv 4, 272–282 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1057/iga.2015.1

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