Intro to Measurement
Measuring a variable by assigning a number arbitrarily in order to name it numerically so that it might be distinguished from other objects.
What is nominal?
This approach to measure a construct combines several measures to estimate a more complex construct
What is an index?
–A measurement tool used to gather information from people by asking questions about one or more topics
What is a survey?
Name and describe one question wording issue.
•Can the question be misunderstood?
•What assumptions does the question make?
•Is the time frame specified?
•How personal is the wording?
•Is the wording too direct?
Maps, phone number to verify authenticity, official identification, a three-ring binder, and a cover letter from the PI/researcher
What does the interviewer's kit contain?
An absolute zero exists for this level of measurement
What is ratio?
Scaling vs. Scales
Scaling involves the construction of a measure by combining qualitative judgments about a construct with quantitative metric units.
A scale is typically designed to yield a single numerical score that represents the construct of interest.
Name one type of response format that would meet the criteria for an unstructured question
Fill-in-the-blank
written text
Name and describe two roles of the interviewer
•Locate and enlist cooperation of respondents
•Motivate respondents to do a good job
•Clarify any confusion/concerns
•Observe quality of responses
•Conduct a good interview
These two concepts are key to determining the quality of measurement
What is reliability and validity?
This type of response scale has two possible options
What is dichotomous response scale?
A paper-and pencil survey that is administered by dropping it off at the respondent’s household and, either picking it up at a later time, or having the respondent return it directly.
start with easy questions
reduce the response set
follow chronological order for demographics
never start with an open-ended question
put difficult questions near the end
ask about one topic at a time
use a transition when switching topics
make a flowchart for filter questions
Silent probe
Elaboration
Ask for clarification
Overt encouragement
Repetition
Random vs. Systematic Error
Random error adds variability to a distribution but does not affect central tendency (the average).
Systematic error affects the central tendency of a distribution.
A type of scaling procedure that involves creating interquartile ranges for items
What is Thurstone scaling?
This is one disadvantage of the mail survey
Cost, response rates low and untimely
double-barreled questions
A question in a survey that asks about two issues but only allows the respondent a single answer
state the sponsor
teach about survey research
explain sampling logic and process
explain interviewer bias
walk through the interview
Explain respondent selection procedures
Computing the correlation between each pair of items that measure a construct.
What is average inter-item correlation?
The Rosenberg self-esteem scale is an example of this type of scale.
What are Likert Scales?
Describe two golden rules when conducting survey research
Thank respondent at the beginning
keep the survey short
be sensitive to subject needs
be alert for any signs of discomfort
thank respondent at the end
assure you will send final results
Filter questions
–Determines whether respondents are qualified or experienced enough to answer a subsequent one
Opening remarks
Doorstep technique
introduce yourself and the study
Explain the study
Ask questions