Survey Research

Examples of your survey questions People are inherently good and therefore have the ability to want to change their ways and be a functioning member of society – SA, D, A, SA Offenders should not be incapacitated after committing a crime – AS, D, A, SA How effective do you feel incapacitation is for offenders? – 1 (not effective at all) to 5 (very effective)

Survey Basics Definition of “survey” research Types of survey research – Self-administered Paper/pencil, internet ( )… – Interview Phone, in-person

Rules of Engagement – statement vs. question – closed vs. open Good closed-ended questions = mutually exclusive and exhaustive – Some exceptions here – Avoid “double-barreled questions” – Shorter is better – Avoid negative items – Avoid Bias – Global questions vs. specific – MUST BE CLEAR (meaning of “Native Americans”) – Should be relevant

Questionnaire construction General Formatting – DON’T SQUISH! Contingency questions (why use, how use) Matrix questions (upside/downside) Ordering items Instructions ALWAYS PRE-TEST (best way to find errors)

Self-administered surveys Methods – Administer to group – Mail survey How to increase response rates (why key issue?) – Acceptable response rate? + Can you show whether there is bais? – Dillman “Total design method” – The devil is in the details » Bulk vs. stamps – FOLLOW UP MAILINGS

Interviews In person – Upside Response rates, fewer skipped questions, interviewers can observer and record other stuff… – Downside Interviewer bias Telephone – Upside Efficient, most have phone, personal safety, control over data collection… – Downside? – The “CATI” system

The internet as a way to survey Largest Objection? – Access – Bias Still legitimate uses – Survey users of certain types of pages

Review of Survey Methods Self-Administered – Mail, large groups, internet – Benefits? Interview – Phone – In-Person – Benefits?

Surveys vs. Other Research Methods Strengths – Large sample size – Flexibility – RELIABILITY Weaknesses – Standardization (superficial?) – Cannot usually change/adapt during study – Validity

Secondary Data Analysis Definition Capitalize on other people’s survey research – Some surveys started for the sole purpose of secondary research (NYS, NLSY, GSS) Possible use for UROP and/or 3155 project Examples – ICPSR – Other repositories GSS data

Meta-analysis The analysis of others analyses Collect individual research studies A “Quantitative” review of literature Examples – Predictors of correctional officer attitudes and intentions to quit – Does rehabilitation reduce offending? What types of rehabilitation programs have the largest effect on crime?