The MSL is a standardized survey service with a significant level of customization available. While the study was conceived with a specific design, there are a lot of opportunities for schools to customize the study to their preferences.
Random Sample
The MSL Population of Study: To ensure consistency and standardization of the MSL across schools, the population of study for the MSL is defined as any full- or part-time undergraduate student who is at least 18 years old and is enrolled at a participating MSL school.
Institutions are asked to provide a simple random sample of 4,000 undergraduate students. If your Institution is small, you will be requested to provide a full census of your undergraduate population. We do not recommend surveying fewer students, as we expect the average response rate to be approximately 25%.
Supplemental Sample
Supplemental Sample includes any additional students provided that may or may not have been selected as part of the Random Sample. Your institution may elect to include additional populations for a variety of reasons. We allow Institutions to include up to their full census of undergraduate students, if they choose. There is no added cost for increasing your sample size.
Study Materials
The MSL will provide a standard template for study materials, including an incentive plan, a consent form, and all respondent communications (invitations and reminders). When required, the MSL can customize some of these items in limited ways to meet local IRB or other needs.
Institutions have the option to add up to 10 custom questions to the existing MSL questionnaire. All custom questions are included at the end of the MSL instrument and are asked only of students at your Institution.