Master
2023/2024
Measurement Theory and Questionaire Design
Type:
Compulsory course (Comparative Social Research)
Area of studies:
Sociology
Delivered by:
School of Sociology
Where:
Faculty of Social Sciences
When:
1 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
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
Course Contents
- Questionnaire design
- Types of questions
- Validity and reliability
- Evaluating survey questionnaire
Assessment Elements
- 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 conduct 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.
- AttendanceStudents are supposed to attend all classes - lectures and seminars.
- In-class activityStudents are expected to take active part in the activities offered to them during seminars.
Interim Assessment
- 2023/2024 2nd module0.05 * Attendance + 0.05 * Attendance + 0.4 * Cognitive interview + 0.4 * Elaboration of the questionnaire + 0.05 * In-class activity + 0.05 * In-class activity
