Enhancing Questionnaire Design: Theoretical Perspectives on Capturing Attitudes and Beliefs in Social Studies Research


Authors : Caroline Ochuko ALORDIAH; Juliet N. OSSAI

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/28zttswr

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/93yf4zr7

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10040292

Abstract : This theoretical paper explores the role of theoretical perspectives in questionnaire design, aiming to improve data quality and research outcomes in social studies research. It examines the significance of questionnaire design in understanding human behaviour and decision-making, and its potential contributions to research practices. The paper examines classical theories like cognitive dissonance and contemporary models like implicit attitudes, focusing on understanding belief systems and their cognitive, social, and cultural influences. It also discusses strategies for identifying relevant dimensions of attitudes and beliefs and addressing response biases to improve data accuracy. The paper also emphasizes the linkage of theories to measurement constructs, ensuring content validity by mapping theoretical concepts to questionnaire items. Practical implications are demonstrated through item wording, scale development, and piloting. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, anonymity, and avoiding harm, are explored to ensure participants' rights and well-being. Cultural and contextual adaptation is also highlighted, as are appropriate modes of administration to maximize response rates and data quality. This theoretical analysis provides valuable insights for psychometricians, researchers, and psychologists in constructing questionnaires that effectively capture attitudes and beliefs. By integrating theoretical perspectives, researchers can enhance the validity and reliability of their data, leading to a deeper understanding of attitudes and beliefs in various research contexts. The study also identifies future research directions and innovations in questionnaire design methodologies to continually improve attitude and belief measurement practices.

Keywords : Questionnaire Design, Attitudes, Beliefs, Theoretical Perspectives, Data Quality, Research Outcomes, Psychometrics.

This theoretical paper explores the role of theoretical perspectives in questionnaire design, aiming to improve data quality and research outcomes in social studies research. It examines the significance of questionnaire design in understanding human behaviour and decision-making, and its potential contributions to research practices. The paper examines classical theories like cognitive dissonance and contemporary models like implicit attitudes, focusing on understanding belief systems and their cognitive, social, and cultural influences. It also discusses strategies for identifying relevant dimensions of attitudes and beliefs and addressing response biases to improve data accuracy. The paper also emphasizes the linkage of theories to measurement constructs, ensuring content validity by mapping theoretical concepts to questionnaire items. Practical implications are demonstrated through item wording, scale development, and piloting. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, anonymity, and avoiding harm, are explored to ensure participants' rights and well-being. Cultural and contextual adaptation is also highlighted, as are appropriate modes of administration to maximize response rates and data quality. This theoretical analysis provides valuable insights for psychometricians, researchers, and psychologists in constructing questionnaires that effectively capture attitudes and beliefs. By integrating theoretical perspectives, researchers can enhance the validity and reliability of their data, leading to a deeper understanding of attitudes and beliefs in various research contexts. The study also identifies future research directions and innovations in questionnaire design methodologies to continually improve attitude and belief measurement practices.

Keywords : Questionnaire Design, Attitudes, Beliefs, Theoretical Perspectives, Data Quality, Research Outcomes, Psychometrics.

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