Survey Research Quiz

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of survey research?

• Simplicity

• Low cost

• Small sample sizes

• Potential generalizability to larger populations

What is the primary purpose of correlational research in surveys?

• To establish causation between variables

• To describe naturally occurring variable relationships

• To predict behavior without sample responses

• To determine the direction of survey biases

Which survey method is known for being quick, self-administered, but susceptible to response bias?

• Mail Surveys

• Personal Interviews

• Telephone Interviews

• Internet Surveys

Answer explanation

Mail surveys

quick and convenient, self-administered, best for highly personal or embarrassing topics.

Which survey method is known for costly, but researchers gain more control over how the survey is administered, and how people

• Mail Surveys

• Personal Interviews

• Telephone Interviews

• Internet Surveys

Which survey method is brief survey can be completed efficiently and with greater access to the population?

• Mail Surveys

• Personal Interviews

• Telephone Interviews

• Internet Surveys

Which survey method allows for efficient, low-cost means to survey very large samples.

• Mail Surveys

• Personal Interviews

• Telephone Interviews

• Internet Surveys

What is a disadvantage of personal interviews in survey research?

• Cost-effectiveness

• interviewer bias

• response bias

• Inefficient data collection

• selection bias

Which aspect is a potential disadvantage of internet surveys?

• Cost-effectiveness

• Diversity in respondents

• Lack of environmental control

• Random-digit dialing

Answer explanation

Potential problems include selection bias (access to computers and Internet required), response bias, and lack of control over the research environment.

What can enhance response rates in survey research?

• Lack of identification with the survey sponsor

• High response bias

• Minimal effort from participants

• Personalized approach and intrinsic interest in the topic

Answer explanation

Ways to increase survey response rate (and lessen problems associated with response bias):

Questionnaire has a “personal touch” (e.g., respondent are addressed by name and not simply “Dear student”)

Responding requires a minimum of effort

Topic of survey is intrinsically interesting to respondent

Respondent identifies with the organization or researcher who is sponsoring the survey.

Which survey research design examines changes over time by comparing different samples from the same population at various points?

• Longitudinal Design

• Cross-sectional Design

• Successive Independent Samples Design

• Correlational Design