Complete a literature review for your topic. In the literature review, do the following:Choose two peer-reviewed, recently published articles related to your research topic.Discuss the various measuri
Survey Methods PSY3700 Multimedia Assessment and Psychometrics ©20 16 South University 2 Survey Methods Research Goals and Objectives Survey Methods After setting goals and defining objectives, the next step in the research planning phase is to select a survey method, one of the most critical decisions made by a researcher. Because of the variety of methods available, the wise researcher analyzes the pros and cons of using each type before making an informed choice. For the research objectives set, the best survey method is one that generates d ata from the targeted audience and is cost -effective and time efficient as well. Most researchers first conduct a literature search of the strategies used by past researchers of the topic. Likewise, they may consult experts or use a focus group as initial steps before selecting the method of survey (Sue & Ritter, 2013). Surveys may be online or offline. Traditional types include telephone interviews, traditional mail questionnaires, and face -to-face interviews. Often in pencil -and -paper form, surveys of th is type can be administered individually or in groups. Because of the time and costs involved in gathering data from offline surveys of this type, they may not be feasible and, as such, may be discarded in favor of electronic surveys. Currently, online sur veys are in vogue due to their advantages over traditional methods, particularly in their ability to access large groups of respondents spread out geographically. Further, advanced technology has enabled the speedy transmission of e -mail, web -based, and mo bile surveys that can be user friendly and cost -effective, factors that have contributed to their popularity. Nevertheless, online surveys have limitations that challenge modern researchers. They may require familiarity with software, access to a computer, and dexterity and patience in completing the online survey in the absence of a test administrator. Because of these issues, the demographics of online respondents may not reflect the diversity in the population, a factor that can compromise a survey's ext ernal validity or generalizability to the population of interest (Sue & Ritter, 2013). Using the example of the study of creativity mentioned earlier, our researcher may elect to use an offline survey method to observe and measure the behavioral manifesta tions of creativity. On the flip side, if the researcher is interested in measuring the personality traits of creative people, the use of an online survey might be warranted. In this case, another objective of the original research goal could be to assess the traits of personality that go hand in hand with creativity. To this end, both measures (online and offline surveys) could be compared for the existence of possible significant relationships between the behavioral components of creativity and the person ality traits of creative people. In sum, many factors are weighed in the selection of a good survey method, ranging from targeted audience to feasibility of the study. A cost -benefits analysis of each method is warranted in the decision - making process. W riting Survey Objectives Survey research takes a snapshot of a moment in time, records it in freeze frame mode, and then draws conclusions based on one episode of data gathering (Leedy & Ormrod, 2001). A survey evolves from a general research goal that ha s specific, measurable objectives. The more specific and concrete the PSY3700 Multimedia Assessment and Psychometrics ©20 16 South University 3 Survey Methods Research Goals and Objectives objectives of a survey, the better they will map onto the research goal or goals. Each goal of research may have many objectives, yet all serve the purpose of providing a measure of the existence or value of a construct or trait. They may be expressed as behavioral manifestations or can be stated in ways that reflect knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes. Clearly written objectives allow for consistency across the various raters who assess the existence of and value of the object of measurement. Unless using physiological measures, the researcher of psychological constructs or traits must find ways to quantify behaviors so that they can effectively translate into measurable objectives, all in alignment with the stated research goals. Likewise, objectives intended to assess knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes should reflect operational definitions that allow noting the absence or presence of these characteristics. It m akes sense to review the pre -existing literature or consult with subject and methodology experts who have ventured into the topic before to assess the feasibility of using their strategies as aids before committing survey objectives to paper (Sue & Ritter, 2013). In the example of the study of creativity, because there is controversy surrounding the behavioral manifestations of creativity, our researcher would be wise to first review the existing literature on the topic to understand the various ways creat ivity has been defined and objectified in the past. Consulting judges of the creative products of others can offer valuable information to aid in the process of writing survey objectives for the study of behavioral creativity. In sum, the process of writi ng survey objectives is multifaceted and a "filtering process" at best that helps sort through the vast array of information related to a topic in search of the best fitting strategy. PSY3700 Multimedia Assessment and Psychometrics ©20 16 South University 4 Survey Methods Research Goals and Objectives References Leedy, P., & Ormrod, J. (2001). Practical research planning and design (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall. Sue, M., & Ritter, L. (2013). Conducting online surveys (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage. © 201 6 South University