Research Methods

Each of the questionnaire items below has two or more things wrong with it. Point out at least
two defects for each questionnaire item. Rewrite each item to correct the defects.
Also, document which scale of measurement (i.e. nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio) should be
used for each rewritten question to obtain the most appropriate measurement.
1. Religion:
Protestant Jewish
Catholic Episcopalian
Lutheran Other
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
2. At what age were you toilet-trained?
a. Before six months old
b. Between six months old and nine months old
c. Between nine months old and one year old
d. Between one year old and 1 2 years old
e. Between 1 2 half years old and two years old
f. Between two years old and three years old
g. Older than three years old
h. Not applicable
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
PSY 3320 Research Methods Mark W. Tengler, M.S.
3. How much money do you make? $__________
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
4. Suppose you were in a bookstore and saw a book displayed on a counter near the door that
you wanted very much but could not afford. Would you steal it?
( ) Yes ( ) No
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
5. Are you a college student or graduate? If so, why did you decide to go to college?
a. I had a thirst for more knowledge.
b. I wanted to get a better understanding of the world.
c. I was too lazy to get a job.
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
6. Do you agree or disagree that the trouble with welfare is that people get too
comfortable and don=t want to go back to work, so the government should institute
some job-training programs for people on welfare and then set a limited amount of time
in which they can learn work skills and get a job?
( ) Agree ( ) Disagree
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
PSY 3320 Research Methods Mark W. Tengler, M.S.
7. Do you disagree or agree with the President that the United States shouldn=t provide a
national health care program?
( ) Agree ( ) Disagree
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
8. Where do you get most or all of your information about current events in the nation and
the world?
( ) Radio ( ) Newspapers ( ) Magazines
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropriate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question:
9. Why do you think big cars are a bad thing for America?
Defects:
Rewritten:
Appropiate Scale of Measurement for Rewritten Question: