Master
2022/2023
Measurement Theory and Questionaire Design
Type:
Elective course (Comparative Social Research)
Area of studies:
Sociology
Delivered by:
School of Sociology
Where:
Faculty of Social Sciences
When:
1 year, 3, 4 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Online hours:
22
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Master’s programme:
Comparative Soсial Research
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course covers the fundamental concepts of measurement theory and survey questionnaire design with an emphasis on cross-cultural research. We will cover the following topics: (1) basic rules of survey questionnaire design, (2) formulation of questions and response styles; (3) measurement error in survey questionnaires, (4) validity and reliability in survey research, (5) questionnaire evaluation, (6) writing reports on cognitive interviewing pre-testing. While completing the course does not mean that the participants will be good in designing and testing the questionnaires, however they will get more knowledge and expertise to design better questionnaires. The emphasis will be put on the questionnaire design in comparative and cross-cultural perspective. The course will be based on comparative research projects such as WVS, EVS, ESS, ISSP. The questions and items on different research areas (values, attitudes, subjective well-being, national identity, socio-demographic characteristics) will be considered.
Learning Objectives
- to design survey questionnaires and evaluate their quality when performing cross-cultural surveys
Expected Learning Outcomes
- To apply basic rules of the questionnaire design
- To design different types of questions
- To design survey questionnaire
Assessment Elements
- Questions on Reliability and ValidityThe students have to answer some questions about the concepts of validity and reliability. This task will show how well the students understood the first theme of the course
- Elaboration of the questionnaireThe students will have to design a questionnaire on the topic of their choice. The questionnaire will have to contain certaint type of questions. The idea of this task is to check how the students understood the main principles of the questionnaire design.
- Cognitive interviewStudents should coduct a cognitive interview on at least two survey items of different types, analyze its transcript, and make conclusions as to how these items might be improved.
Interim Assessment
- 2022/2023 4th module0.2 * Elaboration of the questionnaire + 0.4 * Cognitive interview + 0.4 * Questions on Reliability and Validity
