Deck 16: Survey Research

Question 1

Which of the following is true about survey research?

A) It is least useful when trying to describe a very large population.
B) It makes ieasible to obtain very large samples.
C) Its findings are less generalizable than the findings of experiments.
D) A limitation is the inability to analyze more than two variables simultaneously.
E) An advantage is the ability to develop a deep feel for what respondents are thinking.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Probes are used more frequently in open-ended questions than in closed-ended ones.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Whenever the interview contains open-ended questions,it is important that the interviewer summarize and paraphrase what has been said so that a more meaningful interpretation can be given to the data.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Interview surveys have a number of advantages over mail surveys.Which of the following is NOT one of those advantages?

A) Higher response rates.
B) There is generally a smaller number of 'don't knows' and 'no answers.'
C) There are a smaller number of relevant responses given.
D) Observations can be made.

Question 5

When follow-ups are planned with mail surveys,

A) the anonymity of respondents can no longer be guaranteed.
B) more thoughtful answers are usually provided by those who wait until the follow-up to respond.
C) response rates typically increase.
D) response bias can no longer be estimated.

Question 6

Which of the following statements is true about online surveys?

A) A main disadvantage pertains to the likelihood of underrepresentation of the poor and the elderly.
B) They are more costly and time consuming for the researcher than mailed surveys.
C) They should never be mixed with postal surveys.
D) Avoid setting a deadline for participation.

Question 7

The interviewer should be a neutral medium through which questions and answers are transmitted.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true about mailed surveys?

A) Cover letters should be avoided so as to save costs and reduce the amount of material the respondent must read.
B) Response rates are considered good only if they exceed 80%.
C) Follow-up mailings are essential.
D) The survey should usually take between 30 and 60 minutes for the respondent to complete.

Question 9

Monitoring questionnaire returns

A) provides a clue about when to launch a follow-up mailing.
B) does NOT enable you to estimate sampling bias.
C) should begin two to three months after the questionnaires are mailed.
D) should be used only when surveys are NOT anonymous.

Question 10

The primary function of the probe is to

A) loosen up the respondent.
B) get the correct answer from the respondent.
C) get the respondent to answer a question more fully.
D) indicate an understanding and interest in the respondent.

Question 11

Assume that the following would be reasonable conversational questions/statements based on a respondent's previous statement about preferring to live on the streets.Which is a good probe?

A) "In what way is living on the streets better?"
B) "How is living on the streets better?"
C) "Tell me more about why living on the streets is better."
D) "How do you mean living on the streets is better?"

Question 12

When asking questionnaire items,the interviewer should

A) ask every question even if the respondent has apparently answered it already.
B) skip questions that the respondent cannot answer and return to them at the end of the interview.
C) react to a question after the respondent has answered to show interest
D) give help on difficult questions.
E) summarize the respondent's answers so that they are more meaningful answers.

Question 13

Mail surveys are the only method used in studies using self-administered questionnaires.

Question 14

Random digit dialing refers to

A) drawing a random sample of telephone subscribers.
B) dialing a telephone with your eyes shut.
C) drawing a random sample of telephone numbers.
D) selecting numbers at random from the telephone directory.

Question 15

Professionals who are conducting survey interviews in very poor neighborhoods should:

A) Dress down so as to appear as if they live in that neighborhood.
B) Read questionnaire items verbatim.
C) Never probe into unclear responses to see if respondents meant what the interviewers think they meant.
D) Wear formal attire.

Question 16

In contrast to interviews,self-administered questionnaires have the advantage of

A) being more effective in dealing with complicated issues.
B) producing fewer incomplete questions.
C) dealing with the context of social life.
D) handling sensitive issues more effectively.

Question 17

Which of the following statements is recommended in email invitations to participate in an online survey?

A) Place the URL link to the survey site at the bottom of the screen under your invitation to participate.
B) Always send the email invitation early in the morning, regardless of the type of people you are surveying
C) Offer to share selected results from the study with everyone who completes the survey.
D) Avoid using a prize drawing as an incentive to participate.

Question 18

One of the most important natural abilities that interviewers must have is the ability to

A) dress in a fashion that is similar to the people being interviewed.
B) determine very quickly the kind of person the respondent will feel most comfortable with.
C) rephrase questions in their own words.
D) probe for responses.

Question 19

In general,survey research is an appropriate observational method for

A) describing a population too large to observe directly.
B) descriptive purposes, only.
C) explanatory purposes, only
D) exploratory purposes, only.

Question 20

A response rate of at least 50 percent guarantees the absence of any response bias.

Question 21

Describe three research questions for which survey research is an appropriate technique of observation.Explain whether these three topics are better suited to an interview or a mailed questionnaire and why.

Question 22

Identify three do's and three don'ts among the tips for conducting online surveys.

Question 23

Discuss the advantages of combining qualitative research methods with survey research methods.

Question 24

Surveys are excellent devices to measure social action.

Question 25

Give a comparative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of survey research.

Question 26

The response rates to online surveys need to exceed 60 percent if the findings are to have any value.

Question 27

A prime advantage of online surveys is the representativeness of respondents.

Question 28

The spread of telephone answering machines and cell phones has improved the representativeness of data collected by telephone surveys.

Question 29

The standardization of the data collected represents a special strength of survey research.

Question 30

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online surveys.