Chapter 13 Questionnaires and Instruments

Homework

51. There are several possible issues that may affect measurement questions. Explain the possible effects of shared vocabulary, biased wording, and adequate alternatives on the quality of resulting data. 

Shared vocabulary refers to whether the question uses words with multiple meanings or if the words mean something different to the respondents. When this occurs, the meaning of the question itself may result in an answer to a question that was not really intended. Biased wording tends to lead the respondent to answer in a particular way rather than with the response they would choose otherwise. Adequate alternatives refers to the potential for responses choices that are not exhaustive and/or are not mutually exhaustive.

52. What are the three types of questions that can be used when multiple responses to a single question are desired from the respondent? Explain each type of question.

The three possibilities are to use a checklist, a rating question, or a ranking question. A checklist is a measurement question that poses numerous alternatives and encourages multiple unordered responses. A rating question asks the participant to position each property or object on a verbal, numeric, or graphic continuum. A ranking question is a measurement question that asks the participant to compare and order two or more objects or properties using a numeric scale.

.