Surveys and Observations - PS295

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on surveys and observations, focusing on types of questions, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding biases in both survey and observational methods.

What types of questions can surveys include?

Open-ended questions, forced-choice questions, Likert scale questions, and semantic differential questions.

What is a forced-choice question?

A question where respondents select the best option from two or more choices, such as YES/NO questions.

What is the Likert scale used for?

To measure attitudes by having respondents express their level of agreement on a scale from 'strongly disagree' to 'strongly agree'.

What is a semantic differential question?

A rating scale that includes opposing objectives to measure attitudes, such as 'disgusting' to 'amazing'.

What should be avoided when writing survey questions?

Leading questions, double-barreled questions, negatively worded questions, and confusing wording.

What is a double-barreled question?

A question that asks about two different things but allows for only one answer, such as 'I think university is fun and interesting'.

What is observer bias?

When observers see what they expect to see, potentially introducing bias into the observations.

What is reactivity in observation?

When participants change their behavior due to the awareness of being observed.

How can response set issues be mitigated in surveys?

By using reverse coding items and ensuring diverse response options.

What is the importance of masked research designs?

To reduce bias and reactivity by hiding the purpose of the research from participants.

What types of questions can surveys include?

Open-ended questions, forced-choice questions, Likert scale questions, and semantic differential questions.

What is a forced-choice question?

A question where respondents select the best option from two or more choices, such as YES/NO questions.

What is the Likert scale used for?

To measure attitudes by having respondents express their level of agreement on a scale from 'strongly disagree' to 'strongly agree'.

What is a semantic differential question?

A rating scale that includes opposing objectives to measure attitudes, such as 'disgusting' to 'amazing'.

What should be avoided when writing survey questions?

Leading questions, double-barreled questions, negatively worded questions, and confusing wording.

What is a double-barreled question?

A question that asks about two different things but allows for only one answer, such as 'I think university is fun and interesting'.

What is observer bias?

When observers see what they expect to see, potentially introducing bias into the observations.

What is reactivity in observation?

When participants change their behavior due to the awareness of being observed.

How can response set issues be mitigated in surveys?

By using reverse coding items and ensuring diverse response options.

What is the importance of masked research designs?

To reduce bias and reactivity by hiding the purpose of the research from participants.

What is a leading question?

A question phrased in a way that suggests a desired answer or leads the respondent to a particular opinion.

What is a negatively worded question?

A question that contains negative phrasing, which can make it confusing or lead to misinterpretation by respondents.

What is a response set?

A type of shortcut respondents take when answering survey questions, leading them to answer all items in a similar way without careful consideration.

What is socially desirable responding (or faking good)?

When survey respondents give answers that make them look better than they are, due to concerns about social approval.