Chapter 6: Comparative survey research

Question 1

What is comparative survey research

Answer 1

Any survey research that is developed to compare certain groups

Question 2

What are 4 different types of comparative research?

Answer 2

1. Cross-national or multination studies
2. Cross-cultural research
3. mixed-mode designs
4. Mixed-device surveys

Question 3

What are consequences of cross-national or cross-cultural survey designs? (4)

Answer 3

1. Comparisons can be biased if definitions of target variables are not exactly the same
2. Certain groups may be more willing to participate than others
3. Legal issues and government help varies
4. Be very careful with translations!

Question 4

What are the 3 recommended ways to optimize translations in survey research?

Answer 4

1. Translators should have specific knowledge and training in translating questionnaires
2. Translator should join the research team (at an early stage)
3. Members with a broad range of expertise should be brought together and function as a team

Question 5

To what 2 effects are panel surveys prone to?

Answer 5

1. Attrition bias

2. Panel conditioning (learning effects)

Question 6

What 3 things are important in longitudinal survey design?

Answer 6

1. Preferably survey stays the same over time
2. Questionnaire needs to be as future proof as it can be
3. Try to make sure that your sample remains equal

Question 7

What are reasons for using mixed-mode surveys (4)?

Answer 7

1. Online surveys are not accessible for everyone
2. Might help to reduce coverage errors
3. Boost general declining response rates
4. Different modes means more chance that there is a form of preferred survey mode present for every respondent

Question 8

What are the 3 different types of mixed-mode questionnaires?

Answer 8

1. Concurrent mixed mode - all modes simultaneously
2. Sequential mixed-mode - different modes at different sages
3. Mix-modes within single survey

Question 9

In designing mixed-mode surveys: cognitive equivalence is most important. What are the 3 approaches to achieve this?

Answer 9

1. Unimode - one questionnaire but different questions for each mode
2. Mode-specific design
3. One primary mode of data collection - focus on one mode, rest of the modes are for control that there are no differences with this one focus mode