Survey Research

Observational Research

Survey Research Important Aspect

Descriptive Research

Collection of survey Data

Survey Frequency

Self Report Instrument (questionnaire, interview)

Observation - obtain via watching participants

Difference with Interview & observation

1. Longitudinal Study

2. Cross Sectional Study

Advantages and Disadvantages

Cross sectional - convenience but hard choice of comparable selection of sample

Longitudinal - No comparability problem but carried out a long period(facing issue such as withdrawal of participants)

Conducting self- report research

Conducting Interview

typical survey studies involving assessing

Demographic

Attitudes

Opinion

Preferences

Practices

Procedures

oral, in-person administration of a Q to each member of a sample

paper-and-pencil Q

Compared to qualitative research, survey research is much more structured

researcher view are are more important,tend to not involved with the participants

predetermined variable are surveyed/observed

Major type of quantitative observational research

sample size & method of analysis

Preparing the cover letter

Criticisms

  • misuse
  • carelessly and incompetently constructed

Good Practice

participants selection

simple random, stratified (most used)

cluster, systematic, nonrandom (less common)

whole population

Question constructing

attractive, brief, easy to respond to

data collection method - email, mail, telephone, personal administration and interview

  • scaled items (likert scales or semantic deferential)
  • structured items
  • unstructured items (one or two)
  • specific - do you spend a lot of time watching tv? how much is a lot
  • no jargon
  • indicate a point of references - how many x you spend? unclear
  • no leading question - don't cite experts view
  • no touchy question
  • avoid assumption question
  • no ambiguity

click to edit

accompany mailed Q and explanation of test conducted what contents and why

Pretesting the Q

pilot test and improve question

Advantages

in-depth data

questions that cannot effectively be structured

flexible (adapt situation to each subject)

may result in more accurate and honest responses – interviewer clarify & explain

followup of incomplete/unclear responses by asking additional probing questions

Disadvantages

expensive, time consuming – less respondents

responses may be biased & affected by his/her reaction to the interviewer

requires interviewing skill

Constructing the Interview Guide

  • questions to be asked, in what order, how much additional prompting or probing is permitted
  • structured, semistructured, or unstructured

Establishing good communication in interview

Impression

establish rapport & putting interviewee at ease

purpose of study & assure strict confidentiality

explain unclear questions

sensitive to the reactions (off track – gently get him/her back)

avoid words or actions – cause respondent unhappy or feel threatened

no frowns and disapproving looks

non-participant observation

not directly involved in the situation to be observed

outside looking in

does not intentionally interact with, or affect, the object of observation

naturalistic observation and simulation observation