Some Guidelines for Instrument and Scale Design 1.

Clearly understand the research question yourself before you attempt to develop scale question. 2. Phrase the questions so they are easily understood by potential respondents. 3. Fit the type of question (open-ended, dichotomous, multichotomous) to the degree of understanding of the desired respondents (i.e., if the opinion is vague, then use open-ended questions; if it is clear-cut with several alternatives, use multiple choice questions). 4. Never take anything for granted. Consider all assumptions implicit in the question. 5. Choose the scale questions which will best answer your research question, but always ask if open-ended questions are the best means to obtain those answers. 6. With dichotomous and multiple choice questions, attempt to make the answers mutually exclusive and exhaustive. If this is not possible, provide answers which can handle multiple or both answers. 7. Make provisions to handle Dont Know and No Opinion answers in the scales. 8. Avoid double-barreled questions where two or more issues are addressed in the same question. Always try to put only one issue in a question. 9. Provide adequate, easy-to-read, and understandable instructions for respondents. 10. Do not talk down to respondents. No one likes their intelligence insulted. 11. Use good grammar in wording questions, but do not appear to be overly formal. 12. Avoid overly long, complex questions. Keep it simple. 13. Use simple words if they express the meaning you want conveyed. 14. Avoid specialized language. Trade jargon is all right for a specialized audience, but it is wholly unacceptable for the general public. 15. Use examples carefully in introduction of questions. The introduction of examples may divert a respondents attention from the main issue. 16. Highlight or underscore important words which should be emphasized. 17. Eliminate unnecessary redundancy in questions and answers. 18. Hold sensitive and difficult questions and issues until the later part of the instrument. 19. Be considerate of the respondents time and privacy. 20. Always pretest before collecting data with any instrument. 21. Always say thank you at the end of each questioning session.
Source: Duane Davis, Business Research for Decision Making. Copyright 1996.

Steps in the Sampling Process Step 1. Select the population relative to the research problem and design. 2. Select what sampling units are appropriate in the population. 3. Select a sampling frame.

Description The explicit designation of elements of concern in the study. A proper definition usually includes four components: elements, sampling units, extent and frame Designation of the appropriate units for sampling. It may be one element (a mid-level executive) or multiple elements (a division in a corporation). The means of physically representing the population e.g. the company telephone book, the membership roster of the AMA, a complete mailing list, etc. 4. Select a sample design. The method by which a sample is ultimately selected. There are probability and nonprobability type design. 5. Select the size of sample The selection of the number of people or objects to study in the needed to accomplish research population. objectives. 6. Select a sampling plan. The development of the specific procedures by which the sample will be chosen. 7. Select the sample. The actual activities that are performed in the process of selecting a sample. The sampling plan is implemented. Step 1: Element : All mid-level executives Sampling Unit: belonging to the American Management Association Extent: in the United States Time: on September 15, 2006 Step 2: All mid-level executives Step 3: Belonging to the American Management Association Step 4: Simple Random Sampling Step 5: Factors to consider Homogeneity of sampling units Confidence Precision Statistical power Analytical procedures Costs, time and personnel Step 6: It includes a statement of how and when the sampling procedures will be conducted. Step 7: Select the sample. \lv\Guidelines Instrument and Scale Design