Cognitive Pretesting of Survey Questionnaires for Child Respondents: Essential or Dispensable?

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Division D Section 3 Qualitative Research Poster Session

Abstract

Valid measurement is a fundamental component of any scientific endeavor. The validity of survey questionnaires depends on interpretations of items and response categories by the respondents. A basic assumption is that respondents interpret items and response categories in a way intended by the authors of an instrument. However, this assumption is not always justified. Past research indicates that context and item wording can lead to invalid responses – especially when questionnaires are administered with children.
How can we know if survey questionnaires really measure what they are supposed to?
In our study we explore if the knowledge and experience of experts is sufficient to establish a valid instrument for children and if cognitive pretesting can optimize developmental validity.

Authors

• Gerlinde Lenske, University of Koblenz-Landau

• Anna-Katharina Praetorius, University of Koblenz-Landau

• Schrader Friedrich-Wilhelm, Universität Koblenz-Landau

• Andreas Helmke, University of Koblenz-Landau