5 Theories of Response and Error

DOI: 10.4324/9780429273926-6

5.1 Overview

In survey research, investigators gather and interpret responses from selected individuals regarding certain issues, for example, their opinions about legalizing marijuana. The researchers’ interpretation is only as accurate as (1) the appropriateness of the recruited survey participants and (2) the accuracy of the answers provided by them. Wrong interpretations could lead to incorrect conclusions and misguided decisions, which not only fail to resolve the issues at hand but may even worsen matters. No research at all may be better than bad research with invalid findings. Consequently, assuring accuracy of responses is the bedrock of sound survey research. Since validity ...

Get Survey Development now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.