SOCI 242 Methods of Social Research Prof.

SOCI 242 Methods of Social Research Prof. Younts Fall 2014 Homework Exercise #4: Survey Designs (Due 11/6) You may work in pairs for this exercise, or alone if you prefer. Bring an extra copy of the survey instrument to class because we will break into pairs to critique each others’ questions. You have been commissioned to conduct a survey of UHart students’ attitudes toward capital punishment (i.e., the death penalty) and euthanasia (e.g., physician-assisted suicide). Construct a survey containing 15-20 close-ended questions that will assess both attitudes toward these topics (dependent variables) AND the factors (i.e., independent variables) that you feel might affect (i.e., cause) students’ attitudes regarding these issues. At least some of the questions must measure the same concept; for instance, you may ask five different questions that all measure attitudes toward capital punishment. Make sure you provide clear instructions on the survey and follow the principles of questionnaire construction discussed in class and in the book. After constructing your survey, address the following questions on a separate report: (1) Identify the population, sampling frame (describe what list you would use to choose the individuals for your sample), and sampling design (e.g., simple random) that would be most appropriate for this study and explain why. (2) What response format(s) did you use for your questions and why (justify your choices)? (3) In the case of multiple questions that measure the same concept, describe exactly how you would combine responses (e.g., sum, average, weight, reverse code) to those questions to form a composite index. a. What would be the most appropriate method for assessing the reliability and validity of the composite measure? (4) What would be the most appropriate method for administering the survey and why? How might you maximize the response rate from your sample? (5) Based on this research design, what might you expect to be able to conclude regarding the cause(s) of students’ attitudes toward capital punishment and euthanasia? (Hint: Think about the principles of causality).

SOC 242 (Prof. Younts) Examples of Principles of Survey Designs 1 Examples of threats to internal validity due to lack of clarity. x Avoid negative premises and double negatives: x Avoid jargon, slang and abbreviations: x Avoid double-barreled questions: DO NOT ASK: 5) The requirements for SOCI 205 are too easy. Would you prefer more homework assignments and harder exams? DO ASK: 6) Do you believe that the requirements for SOCI 205 are too easy? a. YES b. NO (Skip questions 13 and 14) 7) If YES, would you prefer more homework assignments? 1———-2———-3———-4———-5———-6———-7———-8———-9———-10 Definitely NOT Definitely YES 8) If YES, would you prefer more difficult exams? 1———-2———-3———-4———-5———-6———-7———-8———-9———-10 Definitely NOT Definitely YES DO NOT ASK: 3) The treatment of theory in SOCI 205 is pedantic. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree DO ASK: 4) The treatment of theory in SOCI 205 is narrow-minded. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree DO NOT ASK: 13) How would you rate the health and dental benefits offered to undergraduate students by the University of Connecticut? DO ASK: 14) How would you rate the health benefits offered to undergraduate students by the University of Connecticut? 13) How would you rate the dental benefits offered to undergraduate students by the University of Connecticut?SOC 242 (Prof. Younts) Examples of Principles of Survey Designs 2 Examples of threats to internal validity due to biased questions: x Avoid loaded questions: x Avoid leading questions: x Avoid social desirability bias: DO NOT ASK: 17) Do you support equal treatment of all students in housing assignments, regardless of class standing? DO ASK: 18) Given the same circumstances, a Junior should receive housing before a Senior. DO NOT ASK: 15) The University of Connecticut administration discriminates against Seniors by giving newer students preference in housing assignments. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree DO ASK: 16) Giving newer students priority in housing assignments is fair. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree DO NOT ASK: 15) You don’t support the University of Connecticut’s policy for giving housing preference to newer students over Seniors, do you? Yes No DO ASK: 16) Indicate your support for giving newer students priority in housing assignments. 1———-2———-3———-4———-5———-6———-7———-8———-9———-10 Completely Not at allSOC 242 (Prof. Younts) Examples of Principles of Survey Designs 3 x Avoid response set bias (re-word the following questions to alternate attitudes favorable to with attitudes unfavorable to the issue). Note that this is also an example of how to format “matrix questions.” Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree 1) The instructor was regularly prepared for class. 5 4 3 2 1 2) The instructor effectively communicated the material through lecture. 5 4 3 2 1 3) The instructor showed interest in students’ problems. 5 4 3 2 1 4) The instructor was available outside of class. 5 4 3 2 1 5) I would recommend this instructor to my friends. 5 4 3 2 1 x Avoid unbalanced response options: DO NOT ASK: 1) In general, how strongly do you approve or disapprove of basing grades equally on homework and exams? Approve Neutral Somewhat Disapprove Totally Disapprove DO ASK: 2) In general, how strongly do you approve or disapprove of basing grades equally on homework and exams? Totally Somewhat Somewhat Totally Approve Approve Disapprove Disapprove