Soci 3111 Social Research Methods Paper 2 Instructions Due

Soci 3111 Social Research Methods Paper 2 Instructions Due November

Assess and improve 10 poorly designed survey questions by describing why they are problematic and rewriting them as better questions. Then, create a 10-question survey on one of the following topics: a) recent college graduates’ attitudes about their student loan debt; b) college student attitudes about study skills and study habits; c) voter attitudes toward impeachment of President Donald Trump. The survey should include a clear introduction, instructions, and contact information. Maintain high standards of clarity, validity, and user-friendliness. Submit both parts as separate documents by November 3, 2019.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this assignment is to develop proficiency in designing effective survey questions by critically analyzing poorly constructed questions and creating a cohesive, valid, and user-friendly questionnaire on a chosen topic. This exercise enhances understanding of survey methodology principles, including clarity, relevance, neutrality, and question structure, which are vital for collecting accurate and reliable data in social research.

Part A involves evaluating ten provided questions, identifying their flaws based on established survey design principles from Schutt and related academic sources, and then rewriting each to improve clarity, reduce bias, and enhance validity. For each question, the student must clearly articulate the specific issues—such as ambiguity, leading phrasing, double-barreled questions, or response options—and explain how their revision addresses these problems. This critical assessment cultivates skill in scrutinizing survey items from a methodological perspective, fostering precise, unbiased, and meaningful questions.

Part B requires designing a new 10-question survey on an approved topic. The survey should start with an introduction that clearly states its purpose and instructions, including contact details and submission guidance. The questions must be conceptually sound, targeting the central issues related to the chosen topic, and should adhere to best practices in survey design to ensure validity, reliability, and respondent engagement. The questions should build logically, avoiding complexity and ambiguity, and should be phrased neutrally to prevent bias. The overall layout should be neat, accessible, and easy for respondents to complete, demonstrating best practices in survey construction.

This comprehensive exercise consolidates theoretical knowledge and practical skills in survey research, emphasizing the importance of question clarity, conceptual fidelity, response options, and survey organization. By completing this assignment, students gain valuable experience in crafting high-quality survey instruments that yield valid insights into social phenomena, essential for conducting rigorous social research.

References

• Schutt, R. K. (2012). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Sage Publications.
• Couper, M. P. (2008). Designing Effective Web Surveys. Cambridge University Press.
• Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. John Wiley & Sons.