L8 Structured Interviewing and Surveys

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a common source of error related to how the information is recorded during an interview?

Data coding or computer entry errors (correct)

Interviewee's interest in the research

Poorly worded questions

Misunderstanding on the part of the interviewer

Which of the following reasons may lead a respondent to decline participation in a survey?

The respondent is busy but agrees to help

The interviewer's approach is pleasant and inviting

The respondent is enthusiastic about helping the researcher

The purpose of the interview is unclear (correct)

Which aspect of structured interviews can help minimize variability in responses?

Allowing respondents to change their answers freely

Providing multiple personal discussion points

Relying on closed questions (correct)

Using open-ended questions exclusively

What is an important consideration when designing self-completion questionnaires?

The clarity of the questions Signup and view all the answers

Why might interviewers use closed questions in structured interviews?

They simplify coding and interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a Simple Random Sample?

Each unit has an equal chance of inclusion and is independent. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method requires dividing the population into groups based on specific characteristics?

Stratified Random Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of increasing sample size in research?

It may increase the time and cost of the research. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered crucial when determining sample size?

Quality of data collection Signup and view all the answers

In systematic sampling, what is essential for selecting the sample?

Members are selected based on their assigned order within the population. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Multi-stage Cluster Sampling from other sampling methods?

It employs random selection at multiple stages. Signup and view all the answers

When should probability sampling methods be prioritized in research?

When making inferences about a wider population is intended. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method involves selecting every nth member of the population after numbering them?

Systematic Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-probability sampling techniques?

It focuses more on typical cases than on overall numbers. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage involves assessing whether the survey instrument functions as intended before full deployment?

Pilot-test survey instrument Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a structured interview?

An interview technique that standardizes questions to ensure consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical skill required to analyze data effectively?

Understanding appropriate data analysis techniques. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a data collection method mentioned?

Focus group discussions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of administering a survey?

To gather responses via standardized questions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about respondent motivation is accurate?

Understanding logistics can aid in motivating respondents. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is essential when preparing the survey instrument?

A literature review. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of using online surveys?

They are attractive and easy to follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of quota sampling in research?

Achieving a specific number of responses from certain groups. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structured Interviewing and Surveys

Topic: Structured interviews and surveys
Types of surveys discussed: self-completion questionnaires (online or by post), standardized interviews (face-to-face or telephone, CATI)
Sampling is crucial for generalizability
Need to define population and sample
Probability and non-probability sampling techniques are discussed
Types of probability sampling:
- Simple random sample
- Systematic sample
- Stratified random sample
- Multi-stage cluster sample
Factors to consider when determining sample size: time, cost, heterogeneity of the population, non-response
Issues in probability sampling: high-quality sampling procedures are vital to make inferences
Types of non-probability sampling:
- Convenience sampling
- Quota sampling
- Snowball sampling
Stages in a survey:
- Design survey, prepare survey instrument, pilot-test survey instrument, administering survey (paper, postage, computer), organize data, analyze data, report results
  - Specific skills and resources needed for each stage are noted (e.g., questionnaire expert, software, interviewers, programmer)
Structured interview characteristics:
- Standardized interview format
- Same context and stimulus for all interviewees
- Aims to aggregate responses
- Often uses pre-coded questions

Sources of Error

Poorly worded questions
Interviewee misunderstandings
Interviewee memory problems
Poor record keeping by the interviewer
Data coding errors

Processing the Information

Structured interviews use closed questions
Respondents have limited answer options (tick the box)
Closed questions reduce interviewer variability
Open-ended questions can be challenging to interpret and code

Respondent Participation

Factors influencing participant involvement:
- Interest in the project
- Desire to be heard/important
- Contributing to the community
- Politeness
- Time availability
Factors influencing non-participation:
- Lack of interest in the project
- Disagreement with the research objective
- Unpleasant interviewer
- Lack of time
- Unsure about the purpose of the interview

Self-Completion Questionnaires

Types of self-administered questionnaires: post, email, social media.
Questionnaires need clear instructions because there's no interviewer present
Self-completion questionnaires often have:
- Closed questions
- Easy-to-follow design
- Limited pages. Length depends on method (paper or online)

Advantages of Self-completion questionnaires

Cheap (especially online)
Quick to administer
Absence of interviewer effects
Convenient for respondents

Disadvantages of Self-completion questionnaires

Unable to prompt or probe if respondents have trouble with questions
No way to probe respondents for more information
Limited in types of questions possible
Respondents may discard, or click out of the survey if not interested
Relatively small numbers of questions can be asked
Requires respondent to read and understand form

Lower Response Rates

Response rates matter because respondents may differ from non-respondents
Low response rates can lead to biased samples
Steps to improve response rates are given

Design Issues

Clear phrasing and formatting
Consistent style in instructions
Questions and answers together
Balanced Likert scales (if used)

Wording of Questions

Simple language
Short questions
Avoid double-barreled questions
Remove leading questions
Avoid negative questions
Assure correct understanding of question terminology
Avoid misleading or ambiguous questions
Adjust frame of reference for clarity
Avoid overly detailed or objectionable phrasing

Negative Questions

Examples of questions phrased in a negative form

Constructing Questions (Types of Questions)

Questions about behavior
Questions about beliefs
Questions about attitudes
Questions about attributes (e.g., demographics)

Types of Questions (Open)

Allow for diverse responses
Useful for exploring new areas or subjective experiences
Increasingly used due to AI tools

Types of Questions (Closed)

Easier to process
Answers more comparable
Closed question options help clarify questions
Reduces variability in interpretation of responses

Likert scales

5-point rating scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree)

Choosing between Closed and Open Questions

Use closed questions as a first question in a series to identify issue awareness
Use open-ended questions to get more detailed opinions or understand reasoning
Closed questions are useful to collect detailed information on specific aspects of an issue

Evaluating Questions

Check for redundancy and consistency
Consider mix of question types for balance
Evaluate and adjust Likert scales if needed

References (Citations)

Citations for various research methods books and articles are provided

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz explores the methods and techniques of structured interviewing and surveys, emphasizing the importance of sampling for generalizability. Learn about various sampling methods, including both probability and non-probability techniques, and the stages involved in conducting a successful survey. Test your understanding of survey design, administration, and data organization.