Family practice literature indicates that survey research methods are frequently used, but that design and analysis considerations are often inadequate. Not surprisingly, then, many professionals believe this type of research is less rigorous and less useful than experimental research. Contrary to this belief, the planning and decision making involved in survey research is as technical as that of other types of research. Ten practical principles for survey research are presented. These principles describe the major issues researchers should address in planning and conducting a questionnaire survey study.