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Define what it means for response categories in a survey item to be 'exhaustive' when measuring a categorical variable. Explain why it is often impractical to list every potential answer, and state the common technique researchers use to ensure these categories remain exhaustive.

Question: Define what it means for response categories in a survey item to be 'exhaustive' when measuring a categorical variable. Explain why it is often impractical to list every potential answer, and state the common technique researchers use to ensure these categories remain exhaustive.

Sample answer: Exhaustive categories in a survey item provide enough options to cover all possible responses a participant might make. Since it is often impossible to list every potential answer for a categorical variable due to the sheer number of possibilities, researchers frequently include an 'Other' option with a blank space to ensure the categories remain exhaustive.

Key points:

  • Exhaustive categories cover all possible responses a participant might make.
  • It is often impossible or impractical to list every potential answer for a categorical variable.
  • Researchers include an 'Other' option with a blank space to ensure the categories remain exhaustive.

Rubric: Full credit is awarded if the student correctly defines 'exhaustive' as covering all possible responses, explains the impracticality of listing every option, and mentions the use of an 'Other' option with a blank space to ensure exhaustiveness.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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