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   Characteristics of a Survey
   Questionnaires
   Large number of respondents (if small number, 
    better to do interviews)
   Either use probability or nonprobability sampling
   Systematic procedures are used to ask 
    predetermined questions and record answers
   Answers are numerically coded and analyzed 
    with aid of statistical software
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    How to Ask Survey Questions
    CLARITY
      Questions should mean the same thing to every 
       respondent
       th
       6  grade reading level
      Short questions are best
    CONSISTENCY
      Keep directions the same, or as similar as 
       possible
      Keep answers to positive/negative questions in 
       same question (unless there is a good reason to 
       mix it up)
      Cluster similar types of items together
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    How to Ask Survey Questions
    
     OPEN-ENDED AND CLOSE-ENDED 
     QUESTIONS
     Close-ended questions ensure 
      uniformity, can be easier for the 
      subject to answer, and can be easier to 
      analyze
     Open-ended questions allow for more 
      subtle responses and perhaps more 
      precise measurement 
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     ISSUE: Double-barreled  
     Avoid double-barreled questions, which are 
      questions that “force” two sentiments to coexist
      Example:  Please indicate how much you agree or 
      disagree with each of the following statements about the 
      childcare program. 
     Incorrect: 
      I feel welcomed by staff and other youth at the center 
     Correction: 
      I feel welcomed by staff at the center
      I feel welcomed by other youth at the center 
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    ISSUE: Biased / Leading 
    questions  
     Avoid biased questions
     Social desirability is a common problem
     Avoid associating an attitude or a position with a 
     prestigious person or agency
     Include both positive and negative choices in the 
     question
     Be aware of “loaded” terms
     Be aware of “acquiescence” – which is when a 
     respondent “gives up” and provides similar responses 
     to similarly formatted question