1. Survey research
CAS 204

2. Types of Surveys
Cross-sectional – capture what’s going on at one point in time, i.e. an opinion poll.
Trend – measure the same items over time but draw different samples from the population each time
Panels – group of individuals is sampled and recruited, and the same folks answer questions over time
Cohorts – groups of people defined, most typically, by having an event in common, i.e. all female corporate executives born in 1980.
Cross-lagged – measure a dependent variable and an independent variable at two points in time, i.e. different campus groups questions about the same controversy

3. On Writing Questions
The function of question formats is to clarify both the question and response options as far as possible for respondents while giving researchers relevant categories of answers that will help them analyze results.
Some questions are easier than others for respondents to answer and so researchers need to spend a lot of time crafting questions that are both intelligible and appropriate to their needs.

4. Question Formats
Open-Ended – allow respondents to answer in their own words. Advantage is insights not gleaned with highly structure questions. Disadvantage is that they are extremely time consuming to code
Dichotomous – force respondents to choose one of two possible answers. Advantage is simplifying data coding and analysis. Disadvantage is over-simplification.
Multiple-Choice – provide several possible answers
Likert Scale – statements (not questions) with which respondents are asked to locate their level of agreement, e.g. between “strongly agree” and “strongly disagree.”
Semantic Differential Scale – present a topic or concept followed by scales anchored at each end by words that have opposite meaning, e.g. “strong” and “weak.” Researchers need to make sure that the words used best capture opposite sentiments

5. Common Problems with Wording
Leading Questions – force the respondent into an assumption that may not be true. Example:
“Why do you think the campus administration is unethical?”
This could be clarified and improved by asking question with likert scale or semantic differential scale.
Double-Barreled Questions – ask two questions simultaneously but allow for only one answer. Example:
“Will you vote against the bill, or aren’t you going to vote?”
Negative Wording – may be simple but still misunderstood. Ex:
“A course in statistics should not be required for the major”
Double negative – two instances of negation. Example:
“Does it seem possible or impossible that the moon landing never took place?”

6. Does this home have an Internet connection? Yes ____ No _____
Guiding Respondents
Funnel design – starts with broad questions that a respondent will be comfortable with and progresses to more specific questions.
Inverted funnel – starts specific and moves to broader questions
Mail surveys need to begin with relevant questions that hold interest.
Phone surveys should begin with easy questions to establish comfortabilty with someone he or she does not know.
Generally, questions related to the same theme should be grouped together. But sometimes a question may be “sandwiched” between unrelated questions to make sure all questions on the same topic are being answered consistently. Sensitive questions may be placed among more comfortable/easy questions, for example.
Filter questions need to be appropriate, for example:
Does this home have an Internet connection? Yes ____ No _____

7. Evaluating Responses
There are all kinds of ways in which surveys responses can yield inaccurate conclusions that can be misused. Consequently, researchers need to adjust for certain kinds of bias when assessing their data. It varies for each kind of survey with respect to the ways in which a survey can be administered as well as the group being surveyed. We can get into more detail about this if/when you decide to utilize surveys in your research projects.