Psychology Session 2: Questionnaire Design

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a significant concern when using stigmatised language in questionnaires?

It allows for qualitative analysis without limitations

It encourages a broader range of demographic data

It influences negative responses from participants (correct)

It promotes open-ended responses

Which type of question is suitable for quantitative analysis?

How do you feel about the current mental health services?

Do you ever feel as if your own thoughts were being echoed back to you? (correct)

In what ways could mental health resources be improved?

What factors influence your referral decisions?

What does a Likert scale primarily measure?

True/False responses

Qualitative data through detailed narratives

Ordinal data reflecting degrees of agreement or opinion (correct)

Absolute numerical values without context

What is one advantage of using pictorial visual scales in assessments?

They are effective especially for children or individuals with intellectual disabilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which response format can help mitigate central tendency bias?

Yes/No questions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using questionnaires in research?

To gather objective information about knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior Signup and view all the answers

When is it advisable to use qualitative methods, such as focus groups, in the research process?

When lacking familiarity with the research area or specific population subgroup Signup and view all the answers

In what type of study can questionnaires be used as the sole research instrument?

Cross-sectional surveys Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect to consider when designing a questionnaire?

The potential need for a professional interviewer Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of exploring and mapping key areas before a detailed questionnaire study?

It helps to gain insights and identify important topics for further investigation. Signup and view all the answers

In a mixed-methods study, when might questionnaires be particularly useful?

To enhance and quantify results from an initial exploratory phase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for using questionnaires?

To analyze individuals' personal stories deeply Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential to ensure the effectiveness of a questionnaire?

Ensuring that participants fully understand the questions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when assessing the relevance of a questionnaire?

Is it appropriate for the target age group? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an example of a leading question?

Do you think your life could be improved by being more accepting of the present moment? Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid psychological jargon in questionnaires?

It confuses respondents. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to enhance clarity and precision in questionnaire items?

Asking multiple questions in one item. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pitfall with online questionnaires regarding usability?

They allow users to skip any question without restriction. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a recommended consideration when selecting questionnaire items?

Using obscure references to psychological concepts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best evaluates the clarity of questions for typical readers?

Utilizing specialist advice for diverse groups. Signup and view all the answers

What type of question should be avoided to ensure neutrality?

Questions that lead respondents towards a specific perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of conducting a literature review in content validity?

To ensure a full conceptual understanding of the concepts of interest Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity assesses how well a new measure agrees with established measures?

Criterion validity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes predictive validity?

How well a measure can predict future outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason the development of instruments for measuring constructs is often discouraged?

Most constructs have existing measures Signup and view all the answers

What does convergent validity refer to?

The expected strong associations with related constructs Signup and view all the answers

What is an important first step in the development process of a questionnaire?

Identifying the constructs to be measured Signup and view all the answers

Why is piloting a questionnaire important in the development process?

It helps refine the instrument before final use Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a method to achieve good content validity?

Performing statistical analysis post-development Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect should be considered when performing a literature review for developing a questionnaire?

Identifying another validated questionnaire that measures the same construct Signup and view all the answers

How is construct validity evaluated?

By examining if the measure performs as expected in practical use Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential benefit of adapting an existing instrument?

It can save time and resources in the development process Signup and view all the answers

Which type of validity looks for associations between a measure and unrelated concepts?

Divergent (discrimination) validity Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the target population when developing a questionnaire?

To make certain that the reading level is appropriate Signup and view all the answers

What is typically used as the benchmark for concurrent validity?

A well-validated measure known as the gold standard Signup and view all the answers

What type of input is critical from stakeholders during the development of a questionnaire?

Qualitative insights from lived experiences Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers do if they find no existing scale for their construct?

Develop their own with sufficient understanding and resources Signup and view all the answers

What does Cronbach’s Alpha primarily measure?

Internal consistency among a group of items. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum acceptable value of Cronbach's Alpha to consider internal consistency as good?

0.70 Signup and view all the answers

Which method assesses reliability by comparing results from two versions of a questionnaire?

Parallel forms reliability Signup and view all the answers

What might lead to a lack of reliability in measurement?

Poor rater training or performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of face validity?

Perception of whether the measure captures the intended concept. Signup and view all the answers

What does content validity examine?

The comprehensiveness of concepts represented by items. Signup and view all the answers

When conducting research with rating scales, what is one of the most crucial aspects to ensure reliability?

Training research team members effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the relationship between reliability and fluctuations in measurement?

Instruments may seem unreliable due to fluctuations in what is being measured. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for using qualitative methods like focus groups in questionnaire design?

To provide insights about unfamiliar research areas or populations. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios is a questionnaire most appropriate as a research tool?

Within mixed-methods studies to complement qualitative findings. Signup and view all the answers

What crucial factor must be ensured for a questionnaire to be considered effective?

Participants must be able to answer questions meaningfully. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to explore and map key areas before conducting a detailed study with a questionnaire?

It aids in gaining insights and identifying important investigation areas. Signup and view all the answers

What role do professional interviewers play in enhancing the effectiveness of a questionnaire?

They assist participants in providing meaningful answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of criterion validity?

Evaluating the agreement with other relevant measures or outcomes Signup and view all the answers

In assessing convergent validity, which aspect is typically evaluated?

The strength of association with related measures Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly employed to assess structural validity?

Factor analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is one key consideration when ensuring content validity?

Conducting discussions with experts in the field Signup and view all the answers

What does predictive validity primarily assess?

The measure's ability to anticipate future outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes divergent validity?

Weak correlations with unrelated constructs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of using fixed-response scales in questionnaires?

They may miss subjectively important issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key step in the development process of a questionnaire?

Consulting stakeholders iteratively for input. Signup and view all the answers

How does culture impact the validation of measurement instruments?

Cultural context may affect the reliability and validity of tests Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not adapting a questionnaire for a specific population?

Misunderstanding of questions by participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is often a result of inadequate back-translation during instrument translation?

Misinterpretation of questions Signup and view all the answers

What does good construct validity rely on?

The measure performing as expected in practical use Signup and view all the answers

What should be refined during the piloting phase of a questionnaire?

The content of the questions and response types. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a method for achieving content validity?

Relying entirely on user self-report data Signup and view all the answers

In mental health research, what is the primary purpose of a self-report questionnaire?

To gather subjective personal experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT essential when designing a questionnaire?

Including only open-ended questions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is primarily gathered by using informant-based questionnaires?

Data from the perspective of those close to the individual. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to validate a questionnaire?

To confirm that it measures what it is intended to measure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of validity in measuring scales?

Accurate measurement of the intended construct Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using standardized questionnaires in mental health research?

They allow for comparisons between different populations. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reliability assesses the agreement between multiple observers or raters?

Inter-rater reliability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential pitfall when developing your own questionnaire?

Difficulty in publishing invalid measures. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cronbach's Alpha measure in the context of reliability?

Internal consistency of items in a scale Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers primarily focus on during the literature review phase of developing a questionnaire?

Finding existing measures for similar constructs. Signup and view all the answers

Which form of reliability would be least applicable for a self-report questionnaire?

Inter-rater reliability Signup and view all the answers

What is the general purpose of employing exploratory factor analysis when creating a questionnaire?

To identify relationships between variables within the data. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of a measure indicates its ability to detect clinically significant changes?

Responsiveness Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to adapt an existing measure rather than develop a new one?

When the construct is well-defined and established. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of psychometric properties, what does sensitivity to change refer to?

The measure's ability to detect significant changes Signup and view all the answers

What does content validity assess in a questionnaire?

The scope of concepts covered by the questionnaire items Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes floor effects in measuring outcomes?

Most scores appearing at low ends Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity is assessed when a measure shows agreement with established measures for the same construct?

Concurrent validity Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common reason for unreliable outcomes in measurement tools?

Imprecise measurement instruments Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation when testing the reliability of a measure over time?

Changes in the underlying construct Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of psychometric properties assesses whether a measurement is burdensome or intrusive?

Acceptability Signup and view all the answers

Which method examines whether items in a questionnaire are comprehensively representing the construct being assessed?

Content validity Signup and view all the answers

When conducting inter-rater reliability, which measure is commonly used to evaluate the agreement between raters?

Kappa statistic Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when framing questions for a diverse audience?

Ensuring cultural sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What type of response format is beneficial for avoiding mixed information in questionnaire responses?

Closed questions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of questionnaire design helps mitigate the effects of boredom?

Offering incentives for participation Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate strategy when designing questionnaire instructions?

Using simple, direct language Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to pilot a questionnaire?

To refine and improve the questionnaire Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of using closed questions in questionnaires?

They limit the depth of responses Signup and view all the answers

Which method can help avoid translation problems in questionnaires?

Involving bilingual participants in development Signup and view all the answers

How can visual analogue scales enhance questionnaire effectiveness?

By providing a clear numerical outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor to consider when creating demographic questions?

Aligning with national standards where applicable Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to increase clarity in questionnaire items?

Employing overly complex language Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge presented by online questionnaires?

Potential for skipping essential questions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect can influence the effectiveness of a questionnaire's introduction?

Clear and friendly tone Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about formats for rating scales?

They always limit participant input Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to biased responses during questionnaire data collection?

Social desirability biases affecting honesty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Session 2: Questionnaire Design & Assessing Psychometric Properties

Questionnaires are used to objectively collect information on knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
They can be used as the only research tool (e.g., cross-sectional surveys) or in clinical trials or epidemiological studies.
Qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups) may be used to understand a research area or population better if predicting potential responses is difficult or if relevant information isn't readily available.
Identifying key areas of inquiry is important before extensive study.
Questionnaires should be suitable for the study's goals.
Participants must have the ability to answer questions accurately (help if needed); questions should be clear, precise, and appropriate for the target audience.
Participants may need professional help in giving meaningful answers.

How to design a questionnaire

Video lesson available on question types and piloting.
Exploratory factor analysis guides available (5-step guide).
Questionnaires are used to gain, and measure, information.

Questionnaires & Scales

Questionnaires are instruments that collect info in a standardized way, including closed and open-ended questions.
Scales measure specific constructs, showing theoretically and statistically linked items to accurately reflect the construct in question.
Questionnaires and scales are often used in mental health research for diagnostics, measuring psychological processes, measuring outcomes, or overcoming communication issues.
Questionnaires (e.g., closed-ended, statement ratings) and scales (e.g., pre-validated measures) provide useful data in mental health research.

Questionnaire Formats & Examples

Questionnaires can be self-report, interviewer-administered, or informant-based.
Formats include paper and online.
Examples of standardized questionnaires and scales in mental health include the BDI, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and HADS.

Developing Your Own Questionnaire

Developing new measures is complex, lengthy, and resource-intensive.
Existing measures should be considered first.
Identifying the construct to be measured, conducting literature reviews, and consulting stakeholders are important steps.
Existing measures should be used, if applicable and validated.

Writing Questions & Selecting Response Types

Questions must be clear, precise, and appropriate for the target audience.
Response types (e.g., open-ended, closed questions, Likert scales) should match the information needed.
Leading questions or questions with implicit premises should be avoided.

Pilot Testing

Pilot testing on participants representative of the target sample is crucial.
Questions to assess during piloting include whether instructions are clear, the wording is understandable, if questions elicit the necessary information, response choices are accurate/useful, and the length of the questionnaire.
Participants should be representative of the target sample for the pilot test.

Validity & Reliability of Measures

Reliability means consistency (including test-retest, internal consistency, and inter-rater reliability).
Validity refers to whether the scale/instrument measures what it's designed to measure ( including face, content, criterion, and construct validity).
Understanding the types of reliability and validity is paramount.
Ensuring measures are accurate and consistent is essential, particularly in mental health research.

Culture & Context

Culture can affect test reliability and validity.
Consider the audience and potential cultural factors that may influence responses related to content.
Translations and validation in diverse settings are critical for accurate results.
Be mindful of cultural differences when developing or using questionnaires or scales.

Group Task - Writing Questions

Creating questions related to visual hallucinations for a questionnaire.
Including questions about frequency, emotions, and age related to visual hallucinations.
Questions should assess relevant information and be appropriate for the study.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the principles of designing questionnaires and assessing their psychometric properties. It highlights the importance of question types, pilot testing, and exploratory factor analysis in creating effective surveys. Participants will learn how to gather and measure valuable information through well-structured questionnaires.