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Questions and Answers
Which method of surveying is noted for typically achieving higher response rates?
Which method of surveying is noted for typically achieving higher response rates?
What purpose does a cover letter serve in a survey mailing?
What purpose does a cover letter serve in a survey mailing?
Which of the following is considered a good response rate for surveys?
Which of the following is considered a good response rate for surveys?
What is a specific issue related to computer-based self-administration of surveys?
What is a specific issue related to computer-based self-administration of surveys?
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What is the main disadvantage of using open-ended questions in surveys?
What is the main disadvantage of using open-ended questions in surveys?
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What advantage do computer-assisted personal interviews provide?
What advantage do computer-assisted personal interviews provide?
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What is an important consideration when multiple interviewers administer a survey?
What is an important consideration when multiple interviewers administer a survey?
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Which of the following is NOT a benefit of conducting focus groups over specialized interviews?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of conducting focus groups over specialized interviews?
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What is one of the advantages of using self-administered questionnaires over telephone interviews?
What is one of the advantages of using self-administered questionnaires over telephone interviews?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of survey research?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of survey research?
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How does computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) improve survey research?
How does computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) improve survey research?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the types of questions in surveys?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the types of questions in surveys?
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What is a common limitation of random-digit dialing in survey research?
What is a common limitation of random-digit dialing in survey research?
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Which method is generally considered more effective when respondents may have literacy challenges?
Which method is generally considered more effective when respondents may have literacy challenges?
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What is the main difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions in survey research?
What is the main difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions in survey research?
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In terms of bias, how can poorly designed survey questions affect data quality?
In terms of bias, how can poorly designed survey questions affect data quality?
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What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes specialized interviews from focus groups?
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes specialized interviews from focus groups?
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Which of the following is a guideline to avoid bias in survey questions?
Which of the following is a guideline to avoid bias in survey questions?
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Why might survey research have low validity despite high reliability?
Why might survey research have low validity despite high reliability?
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Which method is NOT commonly used for administering surveys?
Which method is NOT commonly used for administering surveys?
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How can the ordering of survey questions affect the responses given?
How can the ordering of survey questions affect the responses given?
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What is a potential drawback of using negative items in survey questions?
What is a potential drawback of using negative items in survey questions?
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Which of the following best describes a matrix question?
Which of the following best describes a matrix question?
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What is a key feature of self-administered questionnaires?
What is a key feature of self-administered questionnaires?
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Which option correctly identifies a focus of victim surveys?
Which option correctly identifies a focus of victim surveys?
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Study Notes
Chapter 9: Survey Research
- Survey research is a common method in sociology, political science, and criminal justice.
- It involves systematically administering questionnaires to a sample of respondents from a larger population.
- Surveys are well-suited for descriptive or exploratory studies of large populations.
- Obtaining victimization and self-reported crime data often uses surveys.
- Open-ended questions let respondents answer freely, while closed-ended questions provide pre-set response choices.
- Question bias can influence answers towards a specific viewpoint.
- Several methods exist for administering questionnaires, varying in advantages and disadvantages. These include face-to-face, mail, computer-assisted, and telephone.
- Interviewer neutrality is crucial in face-to-face surveys.
- Survey data can sometimes be artificial and superficial.
- Specialized interviews (e.g., focus groups) differ from standard surveys, collecting data using focused questioning.
- Key survey topics include counting crime (victimization), self-reported crime (frequency/type/prevalence), and perceptions/attitudes toward crime and criminal justice policy, often used in evaluations of policy/program success.
Guidelines for Asking Questions
- Question format is critical in survey research.
- Open-ended questions allow for detailed respondent input.
- Closed-ended questions provide specific answer options (e.g., multiple choice).
- Pre-set answer choices should be exhaustive, meaning all possibilities are covered. Choices also need to be mutually exclusive wherein no option overlaps.
- Likert scales are valuable for measuring attitudes.
- Questions/items should be clear (avoid double-barreled questions), short, and free of bias (avoid biased wording or leading questions) – for best responses
Questionnaire Construction
- Careful structuring of questionnaires is essential.
- Contingency questions are used when a response affects subsequent questions.
- Matrix questions use shared response categories for multiple questions.
Ordering Questions
- Question order impacts respondent choices.
- Interesting/relevant questions should precede less engaging ones. Demographic data can be placed at the end.
- Multiple versions of questionnaires might be created to gauge the impact of question order on responses. This is particularly important for interview surveys.
Self-Administered Questionnaires
- Questionnaires can be delivered in person in a variety of formats or mailed to respondents.
- Researchers must attempt to ensure high response rates by minimizing issues that might prevent return of the survey.
- Follow-up mailings are often employed to increase response rates.
- Computer-based methods for self-administered questionnaires include faxes, email, website/page-based questionnaires.
- Response rates are critical and generally ~50% or greater is considered acceptable.
Warning Mailings & Cover Letters
- Warning mailings are employed to address issues with respondent addresses/incorrect delivery of surveys, and inform the respondent of receipt of the survey.
- Cover letters clearly explain the survey purpose, selection criteria, and importance of participation.
Computer-Assisted Interviews
- Computer assistance enhances confidentiality in interviews.
- Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) involves using screens to guide interviewers.
- Computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI) lets respondents answer privately via keyboard input.
Telephone Surveys
- Telephone surveys can be more expedient and efficient; however, phone ownership rates have been decreasing, creating need for alternative methodologies.
- Telephone methods (surveys/interviews) offer certain advantages, including convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Strengths of Survey Research
- Suitable for detailed analyses of large populations.
- Standardized formats ensure consistency in responses, and reduce variance due to individual interpretations.
Weaknesses of Survey Research
- Standardized questionnaires may not capture complex attitudes or circumstances adequately.
- Surveys can be superficial, lacking detailed nuanced descriptions.
- Interview and survey accessibility of some groups may be limited.
Should You Do It Yourself?
- Start-up costs associated with hiring staff to conduct interviews can create financial challenges.
- Mail surveys are often less costly to administer.
- Choice of methodology—self-administered questionnaires or interviews—will depend on the specific research questions and/or population.
Other Relevant Concepts
- In-person interviews usually have higher response rates.
- Interviewer demeanor and presentation are important elements in the survey design and conduct.
- Computerized data collection methods can reduce interviewer bias.
- Random Digit Dialing (RDD) is a technique to overcome issues associated with unlisted numbers (contacting respondents) when using telephone surveys/interviews.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of survey research as outlined in Chapter 9. This quiz covers methods of administering questionnaires, types of questions, and the importance of interviewer neutrality. Understand how surveys are utilized in various fields such as sociology, political science, and criminal justice.
