What are strategies researchers can use to increase the response rate from surveys?
There is no single solution to increasing response rates. However, researchers can maximize response rates by combining common strategies included in the design, development and administration of surveys (Smith & Bost, 2007). A number of strategies have been identified by vast amount of literatures when it comes to research design. These include tailoring the survey to the intended audience, making survey user friendly, and focusing on essential questions. The administration of the survey should also be conducted in such a way that it guarantees confidentiality and ensures that the respondents feel the questions are relevant to them. The latter can be done by including only factual questions on topics that are familiar to the respondents (Cutter & Jordan, 2003).
References
- Cutter, J., & Jordan, S. (2004). Uptake of guidelines to avoid and report exposure to blood and body fluids. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(4), 441–452.
- Smith, S., & Bost, L. (2007). Collecting Post-School Outcome Data: Strategies for Increasing Response Rates. National Post-School Outcome Center.
Is addressing attitudes surrounding non compliance more useful than educating?
Addressing attitudes towards non compliance is useful even though this usefulness cannot supersede educating. The value of education on the adoption of universal precautions is indicated by the fact that medical students and junior doctors and nurses are more likely to take up universal precautions than those who have been in practice (Cutter and Jordan, 2004). The attitude of non compliance is also widely associated with inadequate educating on the potential risks.
Reference
- Cutter, J., & Jordan, S. (2004). Uptake of guidelines to avoid and report exposure to blood and body fluids. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(4), 441–452.
Why do people ignore what they are supposed to do?
There are various reasons why people ignore what they are supposed to do. Among the reasons are the presumed ineffectiveness of the action, lack of time, forgetfulness, and concerns about how the action might be taken by the recipient.
Can a research question develop a new perspective over time?
A research question cannot develop a new perspective over time. This is because concerns or interests in a given issue precedes the research question, and is the research question that guides the manner in which the research is to be conducted.
Is randomization necessary for a cross sectional survey? Is randomization an advantage or disadvantage to a survey?
Randomization is necessary for a cross sectional survey because it helps in controlling for effects regardless of whether the sources are known or unknown (Larget, 2005). Randomization is therefore an advantage to a survey because it controls for unsuspected effects.
Reference
- Larget, B., (2005). Statistical Principles of Design. Statistics.
What exactly were the researchers trying to accomplish with the study (attached)? Was the question poorly designed to answer the question that was posed and is the study considered a weak qualitative study
The researchers were attempting to identify effective strategies of minimizing the risks of acquiring blood borne infections among professionals during procedures that increase their exposure to such infections. Through the clarification of current practice and investigation of the underlying non-compliance with infection control guidelines, the researchers sought to identify targets for education and theatre management initiatives. The research question was adequately designed to address the issue even though the study is considered a weak qualitative study owing to the method used. According to Williamson (2005), there is need to embrace a wide range of methodological approaches in order to fully investigate a phenomenon.
Reference
- Williamson, G., (2005). Illustrating triangulation in mixed method nursing research. Nursing Researcher, 12(4):7-17.