CRIM_220_-_Lecture_7_-_Surveys

Survey Research

A method of collecting information from a sample of individuals, used to understand opinions, behaviors, and characteristics of a larger population.

Self-report experiences

Individual accounts of personal experiences, often gathered in surveys to assess victimization.

Frequency

How often an event occurs, often measured in survey research to assess various behaviors or experiences.

Prevalence

The proportion of a population found to have a particular characteristic or experience at a given time.

Constructing a Questionnaire

The process of designing a survey to collect data effectively, ensuring clarity and relevance.

Question Wording

Refers to how questions are phrased in a survey to ensure clarity, avoid bias, and gather accurate responses.

Social Desirability Bias

The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others.

Open-ended Response Format

A type of survey question where respondents can provide their answers in their own words, allowing for detailed feedback.

Closed-ended Response Format

A survey question format with pre-defined response options, making answers easy to analyze.

Dichotomous Question

A type of question that provides two response options, typically 'Yes' or 'No'.

Multi-option Checklist

A question format where respondents can select multiple answers from a list of options.

Nominal Measurement

A level of measurement that categorizes data without a specific order, such as race or living situation.

Ordinal Measurement

A level of measurement that provides a rank order among responses, indicating relative position.

Interval Measurement

A type of measurement where the distance between two values is meaningful, but there is no true zero.

Ratio Measurement

A level of measurement with a true zero point, allowing for the comparison of magnitudes of differences.

Contingency Questions

Survey questions that are based on the response to a previous question, directing respondents to the relevant questions.

Matrix Questions

A format that allows respondents to answer multiple items using the same set of response options.

Assessing Question Content

The process of evaluating survey questions for clarity, necessity, and potential misunderstandings.

Floaters

Respondents who select an answer when they do not have a concrete opinion or don’t understand the question.

Fence-sitters

Respondents who choose a neutral option instead of taking a definitive stance.

Response Rates

The proportion of respondents who complete and return a survey compared to the total number selected.

Self-administered Surveys

Surveys completed by respondents on their own, which can be conducted in group settings, by mail, or online.

Researcher Administered Surveys

Surveys conducted by a researcher, typically through phone or face-to-face interactions.

Increasing Response Rates

Strategies used to enhance the number of participants completing a survey, such as simplifying submissions and offering incentives.

Sampling Methods

Techniques used to select a subset of individuals from a population for the purpose of conducting surveys.

Probability Sampling

Sampling methods that rely on random selection, allowing each member of the population a known chance of being included.

Non-probability Sampling

Sampling methods where some members of the population have no chance of being selected, often used in exploratory research.

Respondent Bias

Errors in survey responses resulting from the participants' subjective perspectives or personal beliefs.

Survey Validity

The extent to which a survey accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

Survey Reliability

The degree to which a survey produces consistent results over repeated applications.

Exit Surveys

Surveys administered to participants immediately after an event to gather immediate feedback.

Longitudinal Surveys

Surveys that collect data from the same subjects at multiple points over time to track changes.

Cross-sectional Surveys

Surveys that collect data at a single point in time from a sample of a population.

Field Testing

The process of piloting a survey to assess its effectiveness and identify potential issues before full implementation.