Does This Mean What I Think It Means? Methodological Discussion of Survey Instrument Pretest Techniques

• In Event: Advanced Applications of Mixed-Methods Research: Instrument Development and Crossover Analysis Strategies

Abstract

Use of pretesting procedures prior to survey administration can help address challenges that may arise in terms of content design, understanding by respondents, and their ability to easily and accurately navigate through the instrument, especially online. Yet, there is relatively little formal guidance on how to conduct pretesting. The goal of this methodological discussion is to explore pretesting strategies with particular focus on cognitive and usability testing for self-administered online questionnaires. Examples and lessons learned from a recent pretest completed as part of the design and refinement of a survey instrument will be used to illustrate the process and explain the need for cognitive and usability testing as part of the design of an effective survey instrument.

Authors

• Marisa Elana Exter, Purdue University

• Iryna Ashby, Purdue University