Structure and establishing validity in survey research.

Abstract

Survey research is a commonly used research tool used to gather opinions regarding emerging technologies and current practices. As randomized clinical trials rose to prominence, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Study Group created a checklist of items necessary for the complete and transparent reporting of randomized clinical trials. Similar checklists have been created for a variety of research methodologies. Notably missing is a checklist for the reporting of survey studies. This article examines the conduct of survey research publications and proposes a checklist to evaluate the validity of survey studies published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.