Chapter 5 - Survey Research: Questionnaire Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is a variables list?
A list of variables being measured keyed to a question in a questionnaire designed to measure each variable
What are dummy tables?
blank tables that are constructed prior to gathering data to suggest the type of data needed in the analysis
According to the textbook, what survey questions should you avoid asking?
-biased or leading questions
-double-barreled questions
-asking questions in an objectionable manner
-assuming prior information on the part of the respondent
-vague wording
-asking more than you need to know
-“response set” patterns by using reversal questions
According to lecture, what are the categories for typical research questions for surveys?
-behaviors (ex: have you ever used an illegal drug)
-attitudes/beliefs/opinions (ex: how safe do you feel in your neighborhood)
-characteristics (ex: highest level of education)
-expectations (ex: do you plan to buy a security system within the next year)
-self-classification (ex: which social class would you put yourself)
-knowledge (ex: has the crime rate increased or decreased)
-policies (ex: does Maryland practice civil asset forfeiture)
According to lecture, what happens to respondents in experiments?
-they’re randomly assigned to groups (experimental/control)
-exposed to some sort of treatment
-assessed or measured to see if any differences in responses presumably caused by their different conditions are found
What are some ways of increasing responses in mail?
-follow up
-offering remuneration
-altruistic appeals
-use of attractive format
-sponsorship
-endorsements
-personalization
-shortened format
-good timing
According to lecture, survey research is thought of as what?
correlational
According to lecture, what are the steps in conducting a survey?
- develop hypotheses
- decide on type of survey (mail, internet, telephone)
- write survey questions; consider answer categories
- design the survey layout
- pilot test survey instrument
- consider target population
- select sample (considering sample size)
- conduct survey – procedures depend on type selected
- record data, enter data into computer
- perform statistical analysis
- describe methods and findings in research report
- present findings for critique
what are self-reported surveys?
surveys that ask subjects to admit the commission of various delinquent and/or criminal acts
what are potential problems with self-reported surveys?
- inaccurate reporting
- poor/inconsistent use of survey instrument
- poor research designs
according to lecture, what are strengths of self-reported surveys?
-reliability & validity have improved
-can check self-report against other data
-may use other observers, peer, informants
-use of polygraphs
according to lecture, what are the guidelines for questionnaire construction?
- questionnaire wording- has to be done carefully (remember the importance of language)
- organization of the questionnaire (put the cool questions first, arouse interest and attention of your respondents)
according to lecture, what are advantages of mail surveys?
-wide geographic coverage
-avoid interviewer bias
-respondent privacy ensured
-more time for responding
what is the disadvantage of mail surveys?
nonresponses
What are the advantages of internet surveys?
fast and inexpensive
What are the disadvantages of internet surveys?
not a random sample; may undercount females, minorities, the elderly, the less educated
What are the primary subjects of self-report surveys?
Schoolchildren, high school students, and college students
What are major problems with self-report surveys?
-inaccurate reporting, poor inconsistent instruments, and deficient research designs
What are the means of attempting to get at the validity of self-report students?
-Using official or other data
-Checks using other observers (peers)
-Use or threat of polygraph
-Known group approach
-Lie scales
-Measures of internal consistency
-Recheck reports using interviews
What is known group validation?
Involves validation of reported behavior by studying groups whose behavior is already known
What is a lie scale?
Series of questions that measure truthfulness of respondents in answering a survey
What is internal consistency?
the use of lie scales and involves measuring internal consistency of an individual’s response by using interlocking items
