Survey Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the main advantage of telephone surveys compared to face-to-face surveys?

They are less costly (correct)

They are more difficult to conduct

They require more time

They are more subjective to the interviewer

When constructing a survey, what is the primary goal of conceptualizing the task?

To address the research questions and hypotheses (correct)

To reduce the length of the questionnaire

To make the survey more engaging

To ensure respondents answer truthfully

What is the purpose of measuring behavior in surveys?

To translate opinions into action (correct)

To make policy decisions

To evaluate the effectiveness of a program

To understand respondents' attitudes and opinions

Why is it important to include demographic questions in a survey?

To know how opinions and behaviors vary across different categories of people Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when constructing a survey questionnaire?

The attitudes, behaviors, and demographics of the respondents Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of providing instructions at the beginning of each section in a survey?

To provide clear guidance on how to complete the survey Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid leading questions in a survey?

They can influence respondents' answers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of brainstorming in the survey construction process?

To generate a comprehensive list of questions and ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when constructing a questionnaire for research?

Ensuring the questionnaire is valid and reliable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using self-administered surveys?

Increased reliability over other qualitative methods Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using open-ended questions in a survey?

They intimidate respondents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of limiting responses in a questionnaire?

To ensure the investigator doesn't get too much information Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid leading questions in a questionnaire?

To get more accurate and unbiased responses Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using computer-assisted and web-based surveys?

They allow for instant data coding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using closed-ended questions in a questionnaire?

They limit the respondents' ability to provide detailed answers Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using web-based surveys?

They are affected by variation in computer ownership and usage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of unstructured interviews?

They are open-ended and allow for in-depth exploration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential drawback of self-administered surveys?

Lower response rates compared to face-to-face interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of specifying the information to be sought in a questionnaire?

To clarify the research question and objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor to consider when designing structured interviews?

The role of the interviewer. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid ambiguity in questionnaire questions?

To ensure respondents understand the question clearly Signup and view all the answers

Why are face-to-face interviews often associated with high response rates?

Because they are more personalized and allow for building rapport. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential source of bias in structured interviews?

The role of the interviewer. Signup and view all the answers

Why is training critical for interviewers in structured interviews?

To ensure they are able to follow the wording of the questions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Survey Methods

Surveys can be conducted through various mediums, including telephone, computers, and face-to-face interactions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Telephone Surveys

Less costly and time-consuming compared to face-to-face interviews
Less subjective to interviewer bias
Often conducted with computers
Can probe for information or clarification
Threshold for completion is around 20 minutes

Constructions

Regardless of survey type, constructs should allow for candid answers that are accurate, consistent, and address research goals, hypotheses, and questions

Conceptualizing the Task

List research questions and hypotheses
Consider how others have measured variables
Ensure at least one questionnaire item for each variable
Operationalize the concept
Outline what to cover, including attitudes, behaviors, and demographics

Measuring Behavior

Translate opinions into action
Useful in making policy, improving working conditions, and evaluating programs
Measure what respondents say they do
Create questions that measure behavior

Demographics

Need to know how opinions and behaviors vary across different categories of people
Include variables like age, income, education, political beliefs, and sexual orientation
Place demographic questions at the end of the instrument for ease of response

Instructions

Provide clear instructions at the beginning of each section
Disclose necessary information for respondents to decide whether to complete the survey
Indicate whether the survey is anonymous or confidential

Conceptualizing

Brainstorm to find a solution to a problem or question
Reduce the list to items connected to research variables
Be creative and engaging in survey design
Consider the length of the questionnaire, time to construct, time for respondents to complete, cost, and number of variables or concepts

Principles of Questionnaire Construction

Consider time and effort in constructing and responding to questionnaires
Avoid open-ended questions that intimidate respondents
Ensure clarity and consistency in instructions and format

Computer-Assisted and Web-Based Surveys

Create and administer self-administered questionnaires
Increase response rates, especially for short questionnaires
Can be sent via email or hosted on a website
Allow for instant data coding, but may have issues with access and generalizability

Interviews

Can be unstructured or structured
Unstructured interviews are suited for exploratory research and complex situations
Structured interviews require training for interviewers and standardized processes
Response rates tend to be highest with face-to-face interviews

Procedure for Development

Specify the information to be sought
Determine the type of questionnaire and method of administration
Determine the content, form of response, and wording of each question

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Description

This quiz covers the advantages and limitations of different survey methods, including telephone surveys and face-to-face interviews. It also discusses the importance of constructing survey questions to ensure accurate and candid responses.