Page 79 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes The Response Process

While the process is simple and straight forward, there are many opportunities for error.
• The question must be read.
• The question must be understood.

• The respondent must create a response.
• This response must be translated into the categories or values present for the question.
Fundamental Concerns

We are asking about a person’s knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, feelings, motivations, anticipations,
future plans or past behavior. What can we do to motivate people to respond and to respond
truthfully? For example, one older study found that about 20 percent of those without library
cards claimed to have one when asked. There is a strong tendency to give answers that are
socially desirable, make the respondent look good, or that will please the researcher. While we
begin with an assumption of truthfulness, it may be useful to use variants of the same question
to capture more of reality.
Another concern is whether or not the respondent knows enough to provide a meaningful
answer. Someone who has never used the teen collection may find it difficult to indicate if it
is valued.

Validity is the degree to which we are measuring what we need to measure. The questionnaire
should gather valid responses. Reliability is the degree to which we receive the same measurement
over time. Would we receive the same response if the respondent had answered the questionnaire
earlier or later?
Cost

At the beginning and throughout the process, you need to consider these questions:
1. How much money will be needed to collect this data?
2. How much time will be needed to collect this data?
3. Is cost-sharing possible and will that be helped by sponsorship or endorsement?

4. How many completed questionnaires will be needed and what response rate does that
require?
If possible, begin with another’s questionnaire, especially if you are doing a use and user
survey [do receive permission first]. This is less expensive, but there are other advantages.
Others should have validated their instrument. You will be able to compare your findings
with theirs and built upon previous generalizations. Knowledge can cumulate. Library Literature
is also quite useful via the survey tag. Ideally, you would keep changes to a minimum to
facilitate comparison, but you may build upon an existing instrument by adding additional
questions or making essential changes.
The Process
Ordinarily, there are six steps:
1. Identifying what information is needed

2. Deciding what sort of questionnaire to use
3. Creating the first draft
4. Editing and revising

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