As we complete this second edition of Introduction to Survey Research, I am again indebted to the many people who have provided me with support, insights, and patience along the way. My wife, Ellison, deserves a special thank-you for having given up many opportunities for adventures because I was sequestered at my computer for “just a little while longer.” I am also grateful for her help in editing, reference checking, and other commonplace aspects of writing the book, which plunged her deeper into survey research than she probably would have liked. Finally, I am very fortunate to have had Ed Nelson working with me, who, despite suffering a deep personal loss, persevered in completing the manuscript. His work and dedication continue to make him an invaluable colleague.
—Ernest L. Cowles
I dedicate this book to my wife, Elizabeth Nelson, and my children, Lisa and David, for all their support over many years. Elizabeth and I were both in the Sociology Department at California State University, Fresno, for many years and shared so much both at work and at home with our family. It has been a pleasure to work with my coauthor, Ernest Cowles, on this book. Both of us were directors of survey research centers until our retirements, and we have combined our years of experience in this project.