Survey Research & Psychometrics
Research design
Identifying the optimal method for collecting data from patients, families, healthcare providers, and other informants can be challenging. Core staff members can explore your options with you and develop a customized strategy for achieving your scientific objectives. Additionally, we can help you implement innovative, evidence-based data collection solutions, such as ecological momentary assessments (EMA), wiki surveys, and choice-based experiments.
Sampling
The Core assists investigators in identifying a sampling frame, establishing a recruitment strategy, calculating sample size, and setting target response rates for particular populations and survey topics. We can also guide you through the process of selecting and working with external research panel companies. In addition, the Core can help you select the right incentives to optimize your survey response rates.
Instrument selection
Using a previously validated instrument, if one is available, is often preferable to designing a new one. Numerous validated instruments are available for measuring constructs relevant to population science and clinical research. SQMC staff are knowledgeable about the psychometric properties of currently available instruments and their applicability to various social behavior and clinical research settings. The SQMC maintains a library of validated instruments; we can work with you to choose the right instruments for your study purposes.
Instrument design & validation
If an existing validated instrument is not available or applicable to your specific research questions, Core staff are knowledgeable about the latest research in instrument design and have years of experience constructing measures that yield valid and reliable data. Drawing on classical test theory and item response theory, staff can help develop new survey items and scales or adapt existing items to novel contexts and populations. Additionally, the Core is experienced with psychometric techniques for validating novel instruments, including inter-item reliability statistics, factor analysis, and Rasch analysis.
Survey pre-testing
(see also Cognitive interviewing and pilot-testing under Qualitative research)
Using cognitive interviewing techniques to ensure accuracy, clarity, and user-friendliness of questions and of response options, the Core assists investigators in pre-testing and refining new instruments or existing instruments that investigators propose to use in novel contexts and populations. The Core can also administer pilot tests to ensure that study designs are feasible, and that surveys are capturing data as intended.
Survey data collection
Members of the Core have a wealth of experience with cross-sectional and longitudinal data collection. Core staff can assist you with collecting and monitoring your data using the latest technology, whether your project involves programming a survey in REDCap, administering EMA surveys via mobile app, or creating a custom dashboard for data reporting. We are always eager to find innovative solutions to capture the highest-quality data from your participants.
Data analysis & visualizations
Core staff can offer consultation on your analytic plan across all stages of the project. For information about the Core’s data visualization capabilities, see Data visualizations in Quantitative Data Analysis & Visualizations.
Dissemination
The Core can help translate survey findings into clear, compelling outputs tailored to your specific audiences. Our expertise includes academic manuscripts, conference presentations, policy briefs, and stakeholder reports.
Survey Research & Psychometrics
Research design
Identifying the optimal method for collecting data from patients, families, healthcare providers, and other informants can be challenging. Core staff members can explore your options with you and develop a customized strategy for achieving your scientific objectives. Additionally, we can help you implement innovative, evidence-based data collection solutions, such as ecological momentary assessments (EMA), wiki surveys, and choice-based experiments.
Sampling
The Core assists investigators in identifying a sampling frame, establishing a recruitment strategy, calculating sample size, and setting target response rates for particular populations and survey topics. We can also guide you through the process of selecting and working with external research panel companies. In addition, the Core can help you select the right incentives to optimize your survey response rates.
Instrument selection
Using a previously validated instrument, if one is available, is often preferable to designing a new one. Numerous validated instruments are available for measuring constructs relevant to population science and clinical research. SQMC staff are knowledgeable about the psychometric properties of currently available instruments and their applicability to various social behavior and clinical research settings. The SQMC maintains a library of validated instruments; we can work with you to choose the right instruments for your study purposes.
Instrument design & validation
If an existing validated instrument is not available or applicable to your specific research questions, Core staff are knowledgeable about the latest research in instrument design and have years of experience constructing measures that yield valid and reliable data. Drawing on classical test theory and item response theory, staff can help develop new survey items and scales or adapt existing items to novel contexts and populations. Additionally, the Core is experienced with psychometric techniques for validating novel instruments, including inter-item reliability statistics, factor analysis, and Rasch analysis.
Survey pre-testing
(see also Cognitive interviewing and pilot-testing under Qualitative research)
Using cognitive interviewing techniques to ensure accuracy, clarity, and user-friendliness of questions and of response options, the Core assists investigators in pre-testing and refining new instruments or existing instruments that investigators propose to use in novel contexts and populations. The Core can also administer pilot tests to ensure that study designs are feasible, and that surveys are capturing data as intended.
Survey data collection
Members of the Core have a wealth of experience with cross-sectional and longitudinal data collection. Core staff can assist you with collecting and monitoring your data using the latest technology, whether your project involves programming a survey in REDCap, administering EMA surveys via mobile app, or creating a custom dashboard for data reporting. We are always eager to find innovative solutions to capture the highest-quality data from your participants.
Data analysis & visualizations
Core staff can offer consultation on your analytic plan across all stages of the project. For information about the Core’s data visualization capabilities, see Data visualizations in Quantitative Data Analysis & Visualizations.
Dissemination
The Core can help translate survey findings into clear, compelling outputs tailored to your specific audiences. Our expertise includes academic manuscripts, conference presentations, policy briefs, and stakeholder reports.
