Worksheet

Survey Worksheet

SOC470: Research Methods

Name: [Type your name here]

Complete each of the following questions by typing an answer in the provided spaces. When finished, submit this worksheet to your instructor.

1. Social researchers use both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each is better suited for certain types of research. Complete the table below by

	Open-Ended Questions	Closed-Ended Questions
Example of question
Advantages
Disadvantages
When is it appropriate?

2. Effective research questions must be carefully written, and some types of questions should be avoided. Complete the table below by

Type	Definition	Example (at least one) of bad question	Example (at least one) of how it can be fixed
Double-Barreled Question
Biased Question
Negative Question
Vague Question

3. What are contingency questions and when should they be used? Cite one example of a question that should use a contingency-question format?

4. What are some general guidelines for constructing and administering surveys? Cite at least two specific best practices. For each, explain why it is an important best practice and how not following it could lead to ineffective survey results.

Version 1

4/1/13