Criminal Justice -- Research Method & Theory British Crime Survey (BCS) Review

The survey I reviewed is from primary research that provided a transcript for an interview, presumably to use in a face-to-face interview -- there are directions for showing cards to the respondents that give them a change to read response options and choices. Demographic data was collected at the beginning of the survey either to act as a screener or because it is essential to the data collection -- having this information at the start of the survey ensures that the interview will not conclude or be aborted without collecting this information. Demographic data tends to be categorized, which provides quantitative data analysis capability. A fairly consistent use of a 5-point Likert scale is used to record participants' responses. In other places, respondents are asked to choose from a list of distinct responses or simply answer yes or no. Where multiple choices are provided, the options are clear and distinct from one another, an attribute that contributes to content validity. In addition, the same question is asked in different ways across the survey -- which is quite lengthy -- thereby adding a measure of reliability. The cover letter was informative and engaging, and it was sent to home addressed that had been randomly selected. It offered sufficient rationale for the survey, told the potential participants what would happen next, and gave them an incentive to respond (a book of stamps).

Assignment...

(2011). A Non-Response Bias with a Web-Based Survey of College Students: Differences from a Classroom Survey About Carrying Concealed Handguns, SourceJournal of Quantitative Criminology.
The article reports on a study that examined differences in non-responses on web-administered surveys and in-class surveys administered to college students. The study used content that was likely to elicit polarizing opinions (changing concealed handgun-carrying laws on college campuses). The study findings showed substantive differences between in-class and web-administered versions of the survey. When responding to the survey on the web, students expressed more extreme opinions and behavioral responses. Sample representativeness was seen to be an issue and recommendations were made regarding multiple sources of data beyond web-administered surveys.

Article Summary:

Callegaro, M., Yang, Y., and Villar, A. (2011). Should we use the progress bar in online surveys? A meta-analysis of experiments manipulating progress indicators, SourceGeneral Online Research Conference (GOR)

The study explored the effect of using progress indicators to help prevent drop-off in online surveys. The findings indicate that the progress bar does not impact drop-off rates, but the fast-to-slow bard does have an impact. Drop-off rates increase when a…