Survey Questions: Handcrafting the Standardized Questionnaire : Book Review

"Survey Questions" by Jean M. Converse is a must-have guide for researchers and professionals who want to create surveys that yield valuable data. Converse offers a comprehensive overview of various survey question types and when to use them, emphasizing the importance of clear and unbiased questions for accurate results. With practical tips and examples, this book provides valuable insights into survey design, execution, and analysis.

The book begins by discussing the purpose and significance of survey research, emphasizing the need to ask relevant and unbiased questions to meet research objectives. Converse explores different question types, such as closed-ended, open-ended, and scaled questions, and provides guidance on their appropriate usage. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding biased language or leading questions to ensure the survey's validity.

One of the book's strengths is its focus on the survey administration process. Converse highlights the significance of clear instructions, proper sequencing, and formatting to help respondents understand and answer accurately. She also addresses challenges such as survey length and timing and provides strategies for minimizing respondent fatigue and maximizing response rates.

In addition to survey design and administration, the book covers data analysis strategies. Converse provides guidance on data coding, cleaning, and statistical analysis, enabling researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from survey results. She also discusses best practices for reporting findings, ensuring effective communication of collected data to the intended audience.

Overall, "Survey Questions" is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in survey research. Jean M. Converse's expertise and guidance make this book an essential tool for designing, executing, and analyzing surveys effectively. Whether you are a novice or an experienced researcher, this book offers practical advice and insightful perspectives to enhance your survey research endeavors.

What are readers saying?

The book "Survey Questions" by Jean M. Converse has received a mix of reviews from readers. Some found it to be a valuable resource for understanding how to craft effective survey questions, while others thought it lacked depth and practical examples.

Many reviewers praised Converse for her comprehensive coverage of survey question design. They appreciated her insights into the importance of clear and concise questions and found the provided examples helpful in illustrating key concepts. The book was also praised for its practical guidance on selecting appropriate response formats and avoiding biased wording.

However, some readers were disappointed with the lack of practical application in the book. They felt that it was too theoretical and did not offer enough real-world examples or case studies. Some reviewers also mentioned that the book could have provided more actionable advice on conducting surveys and analyzing data.

Another criticism raised by some readers was the book's dated nature. Originally published in 1986, they felt that it did not cover more recent developments and advancements in survey research methods. Readers seeking up-to-date insights expressed a desire for more current resources in the field.

Despite the mixed reviews, many readers agreed that "Survey Questions" could be a useful introductory resource for those new to survey research. They appreciated the book's clear explanations and foundational knowledge about questionnaire design. However, for those seeking more advanced or practical guidance, some readers suggested seeking additional resources to supplement Converse's book.

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