Development Studies Programme
(Survey # 1)
Birzeit University - Development Studies Programme (DSP) has been following up on the latest social, economic, and political changes surrounding the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and the transition toward a Palestinian State. The DSP views development and does research from a holistic point of view. DSP is responsible for the production of the Palestinian Human Development Report and other studies that feed into policy making.
The researchers at DSP feel the need to develop the status of survey research and public opinion polling from a conceptual, as well as a methodological, point of view. The social, economic, and political changes accompanying such research calls for a more responsive polling. Surveys must address the new realities and needs of a young society and a potential state. Issues such as institution – building, economic and social policies, political system, democracy, and civil society gain extra importance. An analysis of the results must provide decision – makers at all levels with information that will help them in improving their abilities to serve Palestinian society.
The following is a brief analysis of the survey results. The DSP is in the process of putting together a full analysis of the results. For extra copies of the poll or further information please visit our website (www.birzeit.edu/dsp).
*For inquiries or questions, please contact, Dr. Nader Said, DSP Director, or Ayman Abdelmajid, field research coordinator.
Sample selection:
In this study, the selected sample is self-weighted. The probability of selecting any locality or household or individual was proportionate to population size, type of locality, gender, and age. 1256 Palestinians were interviewed in 70 localities (cities, villages, and refugee camps) in the West Bank (including Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip. A multi – stage selection process was carried our to insure representation and randomness. A Kish table was used in selecting individuals inside the households.
Field research:
A number of measures were taken to insure confidentiality and to eliminate possible fears among respondents. 70 highly trained researchers conducted the interviews. Each team was comprised of a male and a female researcher. All of the researchers went through a one-day training workshop that focused on the current survey. The questionnaire was designed after intensive consultation with experts in survey research, and after a pre-test was conducted.
| Region | Percent | Type of locality | Percent | Refugee Status | Percent |
| West Bank | 61.4 | City | 31.6 | Refugee | 41.6 |
| Gaza Strip | 38.6 | Village- town | 45.5 | Non-refugee | 58.4 |
| Governorate | Percent | Camp | 22.9 | Labor sector | Percent |
| Jenin | 7.1 | Gender | Percent | Private sector | 68.4 |
| Tobas | 1.4 | Male | 49.4 | N.G.O.'s | 3.6 |
| Tulkarm | 4.3 | Female | 50.6 | Public Sector | 28.1 |
| Nablus | 10 | Marital status | Percent | Income (J.D.) | Percent |
| Qalqilya | 2.9 | Single | 24.1 | Under 300 | 51.8 |
| Salfit | 1.4 | Married | 72.6 | 301-600 | 38.5 |
| Jericho | 1.5 | Others | 3.3 | 601-900 | 6.7 |
| Ramallah | 8.6 | Age | Percent | 901-1200 | 1.8 |
| Jerusalem | 4.3 | 16-22 | 20.7 | 1200+ | 1.2 |
| Bethlehem | 3.5 | 23-27 | 15.6 | Education | Percent |
| Hebron | 16.6 | 28-32 | 14.9 | Illiterate | 14.5 |
| North Gaza | 7 | 33-37 | 13.6 | Preparatory | 18 |
| Gaza | 11.5 | 38-42 | 11.2 | elementary | 28.5 |
| Deir al-Balah | 10 | 43-47 | 6.9 | Secondary | 25.4 |
| Khan Younis | 7.2 | 48-52 | 5.3 | Diploma | 7.5 |
| Rafah | 2.9 | 52+ | 11.8 | B.A. or above | 6.2 |
| occupation | Percent | Occupation | Percent | Place of residence prior to 1994 | Percent |
| Laborers | 12.9 | Merchants | 5 | West Bank | 90 |
| Craftsman | 5.4 | Students | 10 | and Gaza Strip | |
| Housewives | 39.3 | Farmers | 1.5 | Abroad | 10 |
| Professional | 1 | Retired | 1.4 | (Outside of | |
| Employees | 16.4 | Unemployed | 6.5 | Palestine) |