Quiz 3 Material

Question 1

Under what circumstances should an investigator use survey research techniques?

Answer 1

When the researcher wants detailed information on PPABAK practices, personal history, activities, behaviors, attitudes, knowledge,

Question 2

When is a questionnaire preferable to an interview?

Answer 2

When the investigator wants detailed information from a large sample of participants.

Question 3

When is an interview preferable to a questionnaire?

Answer 3

When the investigator has a smaller sample of participants and wants even more detailed information than a survey can supply.

Question 4

What are the steps involved in designing a survey?

Answer 4

1. Begin with a clear meaningful research question
2. read the literature on the topic area
3. Identify general topics to be covered by the survey
4. Complete an initial draft of the questions covering each of the topics
5. Distribute to a ‘panel of experts’ - to establish face & content validity, to gain feedback on unclear questions, format, and scales
6. Modify the survey based on the panel’s suggestions
7. Return the survey to the panel of experts for a second review to establish that any problems have been corrected
8. Pilot test the revised survey on a small representative sample and make any final revisions
9. Administer the final version of the survey

Question 5

What are the advantages and disadvantages of closed ended questions in a survey?

Answer 5

Advantages:
- Data can be easily summarized, analyzed, and displayed
- Data tends to be reliable
- less time is required from the participant and researcher
- response rates tend to be higher
Disadvantages:
- Answers are predefined may not reflect true feelings/responses leading to misleading conclusions
- New issues/other responses cannot be raised

Question 6

What are the advantages and disadvantages of open-ended questions in a survey?

Answer 6

Advantages:
- Information is less subject to researcher’s bias
- Answers more likely to be valid indicators
- Comprehensive response categories do not need to be established in advance
Disadvantages:
- Qualitative analysis must be performed to determine major categories (time consuming)
- Answers may be peripheral–little to do with Questions asked
- Respondents may differ in ability to express themselves in writing
- More time and thought requires may lead to low response rate

Question 7

What factors most strongly influence survey response rates?

Answer 7

• Cover letter/email: informative, courteous, grateful, convey importance
• Survey construction: clear instructions, bridging statements when topics change, sufficient space for open ended questions
• Survey appearance: clear, uncluttered, well-defined sections
• Survey length no longer than 6-10 minutes
• Offering to send a summary of results to participants
• small incentives ($, gift cards)
• Diligence in follow-up procedures (survey reminders)