Psychology Chapter 10

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Questions and Answers

What is a major disadvantage of survey methods?

They are always expensive

Respondents may be unable or unwilling to provide information (correct)

They require face-to-face interaction

They can only be conducted online

What is a key consideration when specifying the information needed for a questionnaire?

The time of year the survey is conducted

The budget allocated for the survey

Characteristics of the target participants (correct)

The physical location of respondents

Which interviewing method is described as having a varied format?

Online/postal surveys

Face-to-face interviews

Telephone interviews (correct)

None of the above

Which type of data collection involves a high degree of standardization?

Structured data collection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What makes face-to-face interviews different from other types?

They usually have lengthy and complex questions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What classifies research as either direct or indirect?

Whether respondents know the true purpose (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one key advantage of using fixed response questions in surveys?

They reduce the variability in results (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of survey methods, what makes it harder to get consistent results?

A diversified market (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of survey methods?

Encourages more detailed open-ended responses (A) Signup and view all the answers

In a survey with fixed-alternative questions, what does the scale of 1 to 5 represent?

Different levels of agreement (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical and difficult task in choosing question wording?

Making the wording clear (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why should the vocabulary levels of respondents be matched when choosing words?

To ensure participants understand the questions (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of an incorrect way to word the frequency of an event?

Occasionally (C) Signup and view all the answers

What element is missing in terms of the W's when defining the issue?

When (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence if questions are not clearly defined?

Participants may refuse to answer (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested method for increasing the willingness of respondents to answer sensitive questions?

Inserting sensitive questions into a group of non-sensitive ones. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a method to increase respondents' willingness to disclose sensitive information?

Asking sensitive questions first. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How should a researcher justify the need for sensitive data to respondents?

By explaining the legitimate purpose. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question structure allows respondents to answer in their own words?

Unstructured (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a structured question format, what does a dichotomous question look like?

A question with 'Yes/No' answers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions is an example of a leading and biasing question?

Do you think Americans should buy imported automobiles when that would put American labor out of work? (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of question should be avoided to prevent generalizations?

What do you think of this policy? (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes how questions should be worded according to the dual statement strategy?

Questions should be worded both positively and negatively. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes the question 'Do you think Americans should buy imported automobiles when that would put American labor out of work?' leading and biasing?

It includes a presumption that imported automobiles affect American labor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct approach to avoid leading and biasing questions?

Using neutral and unbiased wording. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of duplicating questions in a survey?

To test reliability and validity (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why should double-barreled questions be avoided in surveys?

They might confuse the respondent (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can a survey reduce participant unwillingness to provide information?

By reducing the effort required to respond (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which question is an example of a double-barreled question?

Do you think Coca-Cola is a tasty and refreshing drink? (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a participant is unable to articulate their response?

Provide them with alternative descriptions (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Survey Methods

A structured questionnaire is used to elicit specific information from a sample of the population.
Data collection is structured, with a formal questionnaire that presents questions in a prearranged order.
Research can be classified as direct or indirect based on whether the respondents know the true purpose or not.

Advantages of Survey Methods

Surveys are simple to administer.
Data obtained is reliable because responses are limited to predetermined alternatives.
Fixed response questions reduce variability in results.
Coding and analysis of data are relatively simple.

Avoiding Leading or Biasing Questions

Avoid using leading or biasing questions that influence respondents' answers.
Examples of leading questions include "Do you think Americans should buy imported automobiles when that would put American labor out of work?"
Instead, use neutral questions like "Do you think Americans should buy imported mobiles?"

Avoiding Generalizations and Estimates

Avoid asking general questions that require estimates or generalizations.
Instead, ask specific questions that provide clear data.

Choosing Question Wording

Use dual statements to word questions both positively and negatively.
Avoid using words that may be perceived as negative or leading.

Sensitive Questions

Sensitive questions may lead to unwillingness to disclose information due to prestige or social image.
Solution: explain the legitimate purpose of the data and ensure respondents understand the importance of providing accurate information.
Other techniques to overcome sensitivity include:
- Asking sensitive questions at the end of the survey.
- Using third-person phrasing (e.g., "other people").
- Hiding specific questions in a group of questions.
- Providing categories instead of asking specific figures.

Question Structure

Unstructured questions are open-ended and allow respondents to answer in their own words.
Structured questions provide multiple-choice options, such as dichotomous (yes/no) or scale-based questions.

Disadvantages of Survey Methods

Respondents may be unable or unwilling to provide information due to sensitivity or personal reasons.
Wordings can be difficult to craft, leading to potential biases.

Questionnaire Design Process

Step 1: Specify the information needed, including research questions, hypotheses, and target participants.
Step 2: Specify the type of interviewing methods, such as online/postal surveys, face-to-face interviews, or telephone interviews.
Step 3: Determine the content of individual questions, ensuring they are necessary and provide useful information.
Step 4: Overcome participants' inability and unwillingness to provide information by:
- Reducing the effort required to respond.
- Providing alternative answers or descriptions.
- Avoiding assumptions about respondents' willingness to provide information.
Step 6: Choose clear and concise question wording, ensuring:
- Questions are clearly defined and address the research issue.
- The used words match the vocabulary levels of the respondents.
- Graphical or visual support is provided when necessary.
- Unambiguous words are used to convey the intended meaning.

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Description

Learn about avoiding leading and biasing questions, generalizations, and estimates in survey research, with examples and correct answers.