Fragen über fragen: Cognitive survey in der fragebogenentwicklung

Translated title of the contribution: Questions about questions: The use of cognitive methods in the development of survey questions

Oskar Mittag*, Sonja Böhmer, Ruth Deck, Monika Ekkernkamp, Angelika Hüppe, Hildegard Telbis-Kankainen, Angelica Raspe, Heiner Raspe

*Corresponding author for this work
11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Traditional pretests are used in the development of survey items to identify technical and comprehension problems. Cognitive processes involved in answering survey questions are not the object of this kind of test. Methods: Cognitive survey methods were used here to test a questionnaire screening for rehabilitation needs in people suffering from back pain. Essential techniques of cognitive testing (think-aloud, probing, confidence ratings) are outlined. We applied these techniques to 20 patients suffering from either acute or chronic back pain in order to test the survey. Results: The main goal, i. e., identifying problems in item formulation by means of cognitive testing, was achieved. Almost one third of the survey questions were rephrased according to the results of the study. Some of the improvements of the questionnaire are illustrated. Conclusions: The increased effort required to perform cognitive testing as compared to traditional pretesting pays off. The two methods have specific pros and cons and cannot replace one another.

Translated title of the contributionQuestions about questions: The use of cognitive methods in the development of survey questions
Original languageGerman
JournalSozial- und Praventivmedizin
Volume48
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)55-64
Number of pages10
ISSN0303-8408
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

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