Chapter 9: Survey Research

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.

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.