CR_Ch.7--Asking People About Themselves: Survey Research

Question 1

closed-ended questions

Answer 1

Questions that offer respondents limited options. A multiple choice question is an example.

Question 2

cluster sampling

Answer 2

A method of sampling in which clusters of individuals are identified. Clusters are sampled, and then all individuals in each cluster are included in the sample.

Question 3

confidence interval

Answer 3

An interval of values that will capture the true population value a certain proportion of times (e.g., 95%) that the confidence interval is calculated in that way.

Question 4

convenience sampling

Answer 4

Selecting participants in a haphazard manner, usually on the basis of availability, and not with regard to having a representative sample of the population; a type of non-probability sampling. Also referred to as haphazard sampling.

Question 5

external validity

Answer 5

The degree to which the results of an experiment may be generalized.

Question 6

focus group

Answer 6

A qualitative method of data collection in which 6-10 people are interviewed together about a particular topic.

Question 7

graphic rating scale

Answer 7

A type of closed-ended response where two words appear on either side of a solid line. Participants place a mark on the line indicating their relative preference for one or the other.

Question 8

interviewer bias

Answer 8

Intentional or unintentonal influence exerted by an interviewer in such a way that the actual or interpreted behaviour of respondents is consistent with the interviewer’s expectations.

Question 9

non-probability sampling

Answer 9

Type of sampling procedure in which one cannot specify the probability that any member of the population will be included in the sample.

Question 10

open-ended questions

Answer 10

Questions that offer respondents no restrictions as to how to respond to the prompt (e.g., an essay question).

Question 11

panel study

Answer 11

In survey research, questioning the same people at two or more points in time.

Question 12

population

Answer 12

The defined group of individuals from which a sample is drawn.

Question 13

probability sampling

Answer 13

Type of sampling procedure in which one is able to specify the probability that any member of the population will be included in the sample.

Question 14

purposive sampling

Answer 14

A type of convenience sample conducted to obtain predetermined types of individuals for the sample.

Question 15

quota sampling

Answer 15

A sampling procedure in which the sample is chosen to reflect the numerical composition of various subgroups in the population. A convenience sampling technique is used to obtain the sample.

Question 16

random sample

Answer 16

When everyone in a given population is equally likely to have been selected to participate in the study–that sample is said to be random.

Question 17

rating scale

Answer 17

Closed-ended response options that enable participants to indicate the degree to which they endorse a particular statement.

Question 18

response rate

Answer 18

The percentage of people selected for a sample who actually completed a survey.