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A researcher plans to use a newly created questionnaire for a large survey, but worries the wording might confuse participants. What specific methodological step should the researcher take to address this concern before launching the full investigation?
Question: A researcher plans to use a newly created questionnaire for a large survey, but worries the wording might confuse participants. What specific methodological step should the researcher take to address this concern before launching the full investigation?
Sample answer: The researcher should conduct a pilot test, which is a small-scale preliminary study, to identify any confusing wording and clarify the instructions before committing resources to the main investigation.
Key points:
- Conduct a pilot test.
- Use the preliminary study to clarify instructions and refine the questionnaire's wording.
- Perform this step before committing resources to the full investigation.
Rubric: The answer must state that the researcher should conduct a pilot test (or small-scale preliminary study) specifically to clarify the instructions and refine the methodology before the main investigation begins.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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What is the primary purpose of conducting a pilot test before a main research investigation?
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A researcher plans to use a newly created questionnaire for a large survey, but worries the wording might confuse participants. What specific methodological step should the researcher take to address this concern before launching the full investigation?