research instrument checklist example

Research Instruments

• Resources for Identifying Instruments
• Assessing Instruments
• Obtaining the Full Instrument
• Getting Help

What are Research Instruments?

A research instrument is a tool used to collect, measure, and analyze data related to  your subject.

Research instruments can  be tests , surveys , scales ,  questionnaires , or even checklists .

To assure the strength of your study, it is important to use previously validated instruments!

Getting Started

Already know the full name of the instrument you're looking for? 

• Start here!

Finding a research instrument can be very time-consuming!

This process involves three concrete steps:

It is common that sources will not provide the full instrument, but they will provide a citation with the publisher. In some cases, you may have to contact the publisher to obtain the full text.

Research Tip :  Talk to your departmental faculty. Many of them have expertise in working with research instruments and can help you with this process.

• Next: Identifying a Research Instrument >>
• Last Updated: Aug 27, 2023 9:34 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.duq.edu/researchinstruments

9 Best Examples of Research Instruments in Qualitative Research Explained

Introduction.

Qualitative research is a valuable approach that allows researchers to explore complex phenomena and gain in-depth insights into the experiences and perspectives of individuals. In order to conduct qualitative research effectively, researchers often utilize various research methodologies and instruments. These methodologies and instruments serve as tools to collect and analyze data, enabling researchers to uncover rich and nuanced information.

In this article, we will delve into the world of qualitative research instruments, specifically focusing on research instrument examples. We will explore the different types of qualitative research instruments, provide specific examples, and discuss the advantages and limitations of using these instruments in qualitative research. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of research instruments in qualitative research.

Goals of Research Instruments in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research instruments are tools that researchers use to collect and analyze data in qualitative research studies. These instruments help researchers gather rich and detailed information about a particular phenomenon or topic.

One of the main goals of qualitative research is to understand the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals. To achieve this, researchers need to use instruments that allow for in-depth exploration and interpretation of data. Qualitative research instruments can take various forms, including interviews, questionnaires, observations, and focus groups. Each instrument has its own strengths and limitations, and researchers need to carefully select the most appropriate instrument for their study objectives.

Exploring qualitative research instruments involves understanding the characteristics and features of each instrument, as well as considering the research context and the specific research questions being addressed. Researchers also need to consider the ethical implications of using qualitative research instruments, such as ensuring informed consent and maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of participants.

Examples of Qualitative Research Instruments

Qualitative research instruments are tools used to collect data and gather information in qualitative research studies. These instruments help researchers explore and understand complex social phenomena in depth. There are several types of qualitative research instruments that can be used depending on the research objectives and the nature of the study.

Interviews are one of the most commonly used qualitative research instruments. They involve direct communication between the researcher and the participant, allowing for in-depth exploration of the participant’s experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured , depending on the level of flexibility in the questioning process. They involve researchers asking open-ended questions to participants to gather in-depth information and insights. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or through video conferencing.

Focus Groups

Focus groups are another example of qualitative research instrument that involves a group discussion led by a researcher or moderator. Participants in a focus group share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences on a specific topic. This instrument allows for the exploration of group dynamics and the interaction between participants. It also allow researchers to gather multiple perspectives and generate rich qualitative data.

Observations

Observations are a powerful qualitative research instrument that involves systematic and careful observation of participants in their natural settings. This type of qualitative research instrument allows researchers to gather data on behavior, interactions, and social processes. Observations can be participant observations, where the researcher actively participates in the setting, or non-participant observations, where the researcher remains an observer.

Document Analysis

Document analysis is a qualitative research instrument that involves the examination, analyzation and interpretation of written or recorded materials such as documents, texts, audio/video recordings or other written materials. Researchers analyze documents to gain insights into social, cultural, or historical contexts, as well as to understand the perspectives and meanings embedded in the documents.

Visual Methods

Visual methods, such as photography, video recording, or drawings, can be used as qualitative research instruments. These methods allow participants to express their experiences and perspectives visually, providing rich and nuanced data. Visual methods can be particularly useful in studying topics related to art, culture, or visual communication.

Diaries or Journals

Diaries or journals can be used as qualitative research instruments to collect data on participants’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences over a period of time. Participants record their daily activities, reflections, and emotions, providing valuable insights into their lived experiences.

While surveys are commonly associated with quantitative research, they can also be used as qualitative research instruments. Qualitative surveys typically include open-ended questions that allow participants to provide detailed responses. Surveys can be administered online, through interviews, or in written form.

Case Studies

Case studies are in-depth investigations of a particular individual, group, or phenomenon. They involve collecting and analyzing qualitative data from various sources such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. Case studies provide rich and detailed insights into specific contexts or situations.

Ethnography

Ethnography is a qualitative research instrument that involves immersing researchers in a particular social or cultural group to observe and understand their behaviors, beliefs, and practices. Ethnographic research often includes participant observation, interviews, and document analysis.

These are just a few examples of qualitative research instruments. Researchers can choose the most appropriate data collection method or combination of methods based on their research objectives, the nature of the research question, and the available resources.

Advantages of Using Qualitative Research Instruments

Gathering in-depth and detailed information.

Qualitative research instruments offer several advantages that make them valuable tools in the research process. Firstly, qualitative research instruments allow researchers to gather in-depth and detailed information. Unlike quantitative research instruments that focus on numerical data, qualitative instruments provide rich and descriptive data about participants’ feelings, opinions, and experiences. This depth of information allows researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic .

Flexibility and Adaptability in Qualitative Research

Another advantage of qualitative research instruments is their flexibility. Researchers can adapt their methods and questions during data collection to respond to emerging insights. This flexibility allows for a more dynamic and responsive research process, enabling researchers to explore new avenues and uncover unexpected findings.

Capturing Data in Natural Settings

Qualitative research instruments also offer the advantage of capturing data in natural settings. Unlike controlled laboratory settings often used in quantitative research, qualitative research takes place in real-world contexts. This natural setting allows researchers to observe participants’ behaviors and interactions in their natural environment, providing a more authentic and realistic representation of their experiences.

Promoting Participant Engagement and Collaboration

Furthermore, qualitative research instruments promote participant engagement and collaboration. By using methods such as interviews and focus groups, researchers can actively involve participants in the research process. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants, leading to more meaningful and insightful data.

Exploring Complex Issues Through Qualitative Research

Lastly, qualitative research instruments allow for the exploration of complex issues. Qualitative research is particularly useful when studying complex phenomena that cannot be easily quantified or measured. It allows researchers to delve into the underlying meanings, motivations, and social dynamics that shape individuals’ behaviors and experiences.

Limitations of Qualitative Research Instruments

Qualitative research instruments have several limitations that researchers need to consider when conducting their studies. In this section, we will delve into the limitations of qualitative research instruments as compared to quantitative research.

Time-Consuming Nature of Qualitative Research

One of the main drawbacks of qualitative research is that the process is time-consuming. Unlike quantitative research, which can collect data from a large sample size in a relatively short period of time, qualitative research requires in-depth interviews, observations, and analysis, which can take a significant amount of time.

Subjectivity and Potential Bias in Qualitative Research

Another limitation of qualitative research instruments is that the interpretations are subjective. Since qualitative research focuses on understanding the meaning and context of phenomena, the interpretations of the data can vary depending on the researcher’s perspective and biases. This subjectivity can introduce potential bias and affect the reliability and validity of the findings.

Complexity of Data Analysis

Additionally, qualitative research instruments often involve complex data analysis. Unlike quantitative research, which can use statistical methods to analyze data, qualitative research requires researchers to analyze textual or visual data, which can be time-consuming and challenging. The analysis process involves coding, categorizing, and interpreting the data, which requires expertise and careful attention to detail.

Challenges in Maintaining Anonymity and Privacy

Furthermore, qualitative research instruments may face challenges in maintaining anonymity. In some cases, researchers may need to collect sensitive or personal information from participants, which can raise ethical concerns . Ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants’ data can be challenging, and researchers need to take appropriate measures to protect the participants’ identities and maintain their trust.

Limited Generalizability of Qualitative Research Findings

Another limitation of qualitative research instruments is the limited generalizability of the findings. Qualitative research often focuses on a specific context or a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to a larger population. While qualitative research provides rich and detailed insights into a particular phenomenon, it may not be representative of the broader population or applicable to other settings.

Difficulty in Replicating Qualitative Research Findings

Lastly, replicating findings in qualitative research can be difficult. Since qualitative research often involves in-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, replicating the exact conditions and context of the original study can be challenging. This can make it difficult for other researchers to validate or replicate the findings, which is an essential aspect of scientific research.

Despite these limitations, qualitative research instruments offer valuable insights and understanding of complex phenomena. By acknowledging and addressing these limitations, researchers can enhance the rigor and validity of their qualitative research studies.

In conclusion, qualitative research instruments are powerful tools that enable researchers to explore and uncover the complexities of human experiences. By utilizing a range of instruments and considering their advantages and limitations, researchers can enhance the rigor and depth of their qualitative research studies.

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Methodology

• Questionnaire Design | Methods, Question Types & Examples

Questionnaire Design | Methods, Question Types & Examples

Published on July 15, 2021 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on June 22, 2023.

A questionnaire is a list of questions or items used to gather data from respondents about their attitudes, experiences, or opinions. Questionnaires can be used to collect quantitative and/or qualitative information.

Questionnaires are commonly used in market research as well as in the social and health sciences. For example, a company may ask for feedback about a recent customer service experience, or psychology researchers may investigate health risk perceptions using questionnaires.

Table of contents

Questionnaires vs. surveys, questionnaire methods, open-ended vs. closed-ended questions, question wording, question order, step-by-step guide to design, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about questionnaire design.

A survey is a research method where you collect and analyze data from a group of people. A questionnaire is a specific tool or instrument for collecting the data.

Designing a questionnaire means creating valid and reliable questions that address your research objectives , placing them in a useful order, and selecting an appropriate method for administration.

But designing a questionnaire is only one component of survey research. Survey research also involves defining the population you’re interested in, choosing an appropriate sampling method , administering questionnaires, data cleansing and analysis, and interpretation.

Sampling is important in survey research because you’ll often aim to generalize your results to the population. Gather data from a sample that represents the range of views in the population for externally valid results. There will always be some differences between the population and the sample, but minimizing these will help you avoid several types of research bias , including sampling bias , ascertainment bias , and undercoverage bias .

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Questionnaires can be self-administered or researcher-administered . Self-administered questionnaires are more common because they are easy to implement and inexpensive, but researcher-administered questionnaires allow deeper insights.

Self-administered questionnaires

Self-administered questionnaires can be delivered online or in paper-and-pen formats, in person or through mail. All questions are standardized so that all respondents receive the same questions with identical wording.

Self-administered questionnaires can be:

• cost-effective
• easy to administer for small and large groups
• anonymous and suitable for sensitive topics

But they may also be:

• unsuitable for people with limited literacy or verbal skills
• susceptible to a nonresponse bias (most people invited may not complete the questionnaire)
• biased towards people who volunteer because impersonal survey requests often go ignored.

Researcher-administered questionnaires

Researcher-administered questionnaires are interviews that take place by phone, in-person, or online between researchers and respondents.

Researcher-administered questionnaires can:

• help you ensure the respondents are representative of your target audience
• allow clarifications of ambiguous or unclear questions and answers
• have high response rates because it’s harder to refuse an interview when personal attention is given to respondents

But researcher-administered questionnaires can be limiting in terms of resources. They are:

• costly and time-consuming to perform
• more difficult to analyze if you have qualitative responses
• likely to contain experimenter bias or demand characteristics
• likely to encourage social desirability bias in responses because of a lack of anonymity

Your questionnaire can include open-ended or closed-ended questions or a combination of both.

Using closed-ended questions limits your responses, while open-ended questions enable a broad range of answers. You’ll need to balance these considerations with your available time and resources.

Closed-ended questions

Closed-ended, or restricted-choice, questions offer respondents a fixed set of choices to select from. Closed-ended questions are best for collecting data on categorical or quantitative variables.

Categorical variables can be nominal or ordinal. Quantitative variables can be interval or ratio. Understanding the type of variable and level of measurement means you can perform appropriate statistical analyses for generalizable results.

Examples of closed-ended questions for different variables

Nominal variables include categories that can’t be ranked, such as race or ethnicity. This includes binary or dichotomous categories.

It’s best to include categories that cover all possible answers and are mutually exclusive. There should be no overlap between response items.

In binary or dichotomous questions, you’ll give respondents only two options to choose from.

White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

Ordinal variables include categories that can be ranked. Consider how wide or narrow a range you’ll include in your response items, and their relevance to your respondents.

Likert scale questions collect ordinal data using rating scales with 5 or 7 points.

When you have four or more Likert-type questions, you can treat the composite data as quantitative data on an interval scale . Intelligence tests, psychological scales, and personality inventories use multiple Likert-type questions to collect interval data.

With interval or ratio scales , you can apply strong statistical hypothesis tests to address your research aims.

Pros and cons of closed-ended questions

Well-designed closed-ended questions are easy to understand and can be answered quickly. However, you might still miss important answers that are relevant to respondents. An incomplete set of response items may force some respondents to pick the closest alternative to their true answer. These types of questions may also miss out on valuable detail.

To solve these problems, you can make questions partially closed-ended, and include an open-ended option where respondents can fill in their own answer.

Open-ended questions

Open-ended, or long-form, questions allow respondents to give answers in their own words. Because there are no restrictions on their choices, respondents can answer in ways that researchers may not have otherwise considered. For example, respondents may want to answer “multiracial” for the question on race rather than selecting from a restricted list.

• How do you feel about open science?
• How would you describe your personality?
• In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle for productivity in remote work?

Open-ended questions have a few downsides.

They require more time and effort from respondents, which may deter them from completing the questionnaire.

For researchers, understanding and summarizing responses to these questions can take a lot of time and resources. You’ll need to develop a systematic coding scheme to categorize answers, and you may also need to involve other researchers in data analysis for high reliability .

Question wording can influence your respondents’ answers, especially if the language is unclear, ambiguous, or biased. Good questions need to be understood by all respondents in the same way ( reliable ) and measure exactly what you’re interested in ( valid ).

Use clear language

You should design questions with your target audience in mind. Consider their familiarity with your questionnaire topics and language and tailor your questions to them.

For readability and clarity, avoid jargon or overly complex language. Don’t use double negatives because they can be harder to understand.

Use balanced framing

Respondents often answer in different ways depending on the question framing. Positive frames are interpreted as more neutral than negative frames and may encourage more socially desirable answers.

Use a mix of both positive and negative frames to avoid research bias , and ensure that your question wording is balanced wherever possible.

Unbalanced questions focus on only one side of an argument. Respondents may be less likely to oppose the question if it is framed in a particular direction. It’s best practice to provide a counter argument within the question as well.

Avoid leading questions

Leading questions guide respondents towards answering in specific ways, even if that’s not how they truly feel, by explicitly or implicitly providing them with extra information.

It’s best to keep your questions short and specific to your topic of interest.

• The average daily work commute in the US takes 54.2 minutes and costs $29 per day. Since 2020, working from home has saved many employees time and money. Do you favor flexible work-from-home policies even after it’s safe to return to offices?
• Experts agree that a well-balanced diet provides sufficient vitamins and minerals, and multivitamins and supplements are not necessary or effective. Do you agree or disagree that multivitamins are helpful for balanced nutrition?

Keep your questions focused

Ask about only one idea at a time and avoid double-barreled questions. Double-barreled questions ask about more than one item at a time, which can confuse respondents.

This question could be difficult to answer for respondents who feel strongly about the right to clean drinking water but not high-speed internet. They might only answer about the topic they feel passionate about or provide a neutral answer instead – but neither of these options capture their true answers.

Instead, you should ask two separate questions to gauge respondents’ opinions.

Strongly Agree Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly Disagree

Do you agree or disagree that the government should be responsible for providing high-speed internet to everyone?

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You can organize the questions logically, with a clear progression from simple to complex. Alternatively, you can randomize the question order between respondents.

Logical flow

Using a logical flow to your question order means starting with simple questions, such as behavioral or opinion questions, and ending with more complex, sensitive, or controversial questions.

The question order that you use can significantly affect the responses by priming them in specific directions. Question order effects, or context effects, occur when earlier questions influence the responses to later questions, reducing the validity of your questionnaire.

While demographic questions are usually unaffected by order effects, questions about opinions and attitudes are more susceptible to them.

• How knowledgeable are you about Joe Biden’s executive orders in his first 100 days?
• Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Joe Biden is managing the economy?
• Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling his job as president?

It’s important to minimize order effects because they can be a source of systematic error or bias in your study.

Randomization

Randomization involves presenting individual respondents with the same questionnaire but with different question orders.

When you use randomization, order effects will be minimized in your dataset. But a randomized order may also make it harder for respondents to process your questionnaire. Some questions may need more cognitive effort, while others are easier to answer, so a random order could require more time or mental capacity for respondents to switch between questions.

Step 1: Define your goals and objectives

The first step of designing a questionnaire is determining your aims.

• What topics or experiences are you studying?
• What specifically do you want to find out?
• Is a self-report questionnaire an appropriate tool for investigating this topic?

Once you’ve specified your research aims, you can operationalize your variables of interest into questionnaire items. Operationalizing concepts means turning them from abstract ideas into concrete measurements. Every question needs to address a defined need and have a clear purpose.

Step 2: Use questions that are suitable for your sample

Create appropriate questions by taking the perspective of your respondents. Consider their language proficiency and available time and energy when designing your questionnaire.

• Are the respondents familiar with the language and terms used in your questions?
• Would any of the questions insult, confuse, or embarrass them?
• Do the response items for any closed-ended questions capture all possible answers?
• Are the response items mutually exclusive?
• Do the respondents have time to respond to open-ended questions?

Consider all possible options for responses to closed-ended questions. From a respondent’s perspective, a lack of response options reflecting their point of view or true answer may make them feel alienated or excluded. In turn, they’ll become disengaged or inattentive to the rest of the questionnaire.

Step 3: Decide on your questionnaire length and question order

Once you have your questions, make sure that the length and order of your questions are appropriate for your sample.

If respondents are not being incentivized or compensated, keep your questionnaire short and easy to answer. Otherwise, your sample may be biased with only highly motivated respondents completing the questionnaire.

Decide on your question order based on your aims and resources. Use a logical flow if your respondents have limited time or if you cannot randomize questions. Randomizing questions helps you avoid bias, but it can take more complex statistical analysis to interpret your data.

Step 4: Pretest your questionnaire

When you have a complete list of questions, you’ll need to pretest it to make sure what you’re asking is always clear and unambiguous. Pretesting helps you catch any errors or points of confusion before performing your study.

Ask friends, classmates, or members of your target audience to complete your questionnaire using the same method you’ll use for your research. Find out if any questions were particularly difficult to answer or if the directions were unclear or inconsistent, and make changes as necessary.

If you have the resources, running a pilot study will help you test the validity and reliability of your questionnaire. A pilot study is a practice run of the full study, and it includes sampling, data collection , and analysis. You can find out whether your procedures are unfeasible or susceptible to bias and make changes in time, but you can’t test a hypothesis with this type of study because it’s usually statistically underpowered .

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Student’s  t -distribution
• Normal distribution
• Null and Alternative Hypotheses
• Chi square tests
• Confidence interval
• Quartiles & Quantiles
• Cluster sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Data cleansing
• Reproducibility vs Replicability
• Peer review
• Prospective cohort study

Research bias

• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Placebo effect
• Hawthorne effect
• Hindsight bias
• Affect heuristic
• Social desirability bias

A questionnaire is a data collection tool or instrument, while a survey is an overarching research method that involves collecting and analyzing data from people using questionnaires.

Closed-ended, or restricted-choice, questions offer respondents a fixed set of choices to select from. These questions are easier to answer quickly.

Open-ended or long-form questions allow respondents to answer in their own words. Because there are no restrictions on their choices, respondents can answer in ways that researchers may not have otherwise considered.

A Likert scale is a rating scale that quantitatively assesses opinions, attitudes, or behaviors. It is made up of 4 or more questions that measure a single attitude or trait when response scores are combined.

To use a Likert scale in a survey , you present participants with Likert-type questions or statements, and a continuum of items, usually with 5 or 7 possible responses, to capture their degree of agreement.

You can organize the questions logically, with a clear progression from simple to complex, or randomly between respondents. A logical flow helps respondents process the questionnaire easier and quicker, but it may lead to bias. Randomization can minimize the bias from order effects.

Questionnaires can be self-administered or researcher-administered.

Researcher-administered questionnaires are interviews that take place by phone, in-person, or online between researchers and respondents. You can gain deeper insights by clarifying questions for respondents or asking follow-up questions.

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The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project

Student resources, checklist for experimental design.

To conduct an experiment, you will need to:

☑   Determine dependent and independent variables  – You will need to identify the main focus of your study or what you are trying to assess (the dependent variable), as well as the variable(s) you will manipulate in order to cause an effect (the independent variable(s)).

☑  Assess change  – In order to determine whether the manipulation of your independent variable has affected your dependent variable, you will need to be able to assess change. The most effective way to do this is through pre- and post-testing.

☑   Consider research setting  – Consider whether you will be conducting your study in a controlled environment such as a laboratory or if you will use a natural setting.

☑   Determine number of participants  –Think about how many participants will be necessary for you to make any conclusive or statistically significant judgements

☑  Determine number of groups  – You will also have to decide if you will use a control group.

☑  Develop an assignment strategy  – If you are using a control group you will need to determine how you will assign your groups.

☑  Decide on number of variables  – Will you test just one independent variable or will you test for others as well?

☑  Consider ethics  – Consider whether you will need informed consent.

☑ Control the environment  – Consider how you will negotiate the balance between the practicalities of working in real-world situations and the need to control the environment.

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Research Instruments

This Guide provides access to databases and web based resources useful for locating a wide variety of research instruments.   

American Thoracic Society Quality of Life Resource Instruments

The goal of this website is to provide information about quality of life and functional status instruments that have been used in assessing patients with pulmonary disease or critical illness.

Cancer Prevention Research Center

Cancer Prevention Research Center provides access to copyrighted psychological measures developed at the University of Rhode Island Cancer Prevention Center. Permission is granted to use these transtheoretical model-based measures for research purposes provided the appropriate citation is referenced. All assessment inventories are available for research purposes only.

CINAHL Plus Research Instruments

CINAHL Plus provides access to research instrument records, research instrument validation records, and research instrument utilization records. These records indicate which studies have used a specific research instrument and include the purpose and variables measured, sample population, methodology, other instruments, items and questions, where the original study was mentioned, and how to obtain the actual research instrument. 

HealthMeasures

Funded by an NIH grant, HealthMeasures consists of four precise, flexible, and comprehensive measurement systems that assess physical, mental, and social health symptoms, well-being, and life satisfaction along with sensory, motor, and cognitive function: PROMIS®, NIH Toolbox®, Neuro-QoL, and ASCQ-Me. 

Medical Outcomes Trust Instruments

Medical Outcomes Trust Instruments provides a list of instruments approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. Records include a description of each instrument. Readers must contact the original author or source cited for each tool to obtain approval for its use.

PROQOLID™ was created in 2002 by Mapi Research Trust to extend access to Patient Centered Outcome resources to the scientific community. PROQOLID™ is supplied exponentially with new instruments throughout the year based on recommended sources such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and Research and Development scientific community.

Rehabilitation Measures Database

The Rehabilitation Measures Database was developed to help clinicians and researchers identify reliable and valid instruments used to assess patient outcomes during all phases of rehabilitation. This database provides evidence based summaries that include concise descriptions of each instrument's psychometric properties, instructions for administering and scoring each assessment as well as a representative bibliography with citations linked to PubMed abstracts. Whenever possible, we have also included a copy of the instrument for users to download or information about obtaining the instrument. This database was developed through collaboration between the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Department of Medical Social Sciences Informatics group at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The Rehabilitation Measures Database and its content were created by CROR.   

Finding Research Instruments

• Health & Psychosocial Instruments
• Mental Measurements Yearbook
• Find Journals by Title This link opens in a new window
• Interlibrary Loan

Important Definitions

• searchable research tool that includes records about a wide range of sources, primarily articles
• collection of information about a single item, usually an article, within a database; includes several fields
• section of a record that provides a specific piece of information about the item described (the title, the author, the abstract, etc.)

Truncation (*)

• the star or asterisk key tells the database to look for any ending of a word; one example: searching for measure* in a database would find the words measure, measures, and measurement

Searching By Topic

To find instruments about your research topic, use keywords about it in one or more of the search boxes. In the final box, try using this string of words: test* OR measure* OR survey* OR questionnaire* OR scale* OR batter* OR inventor* OR checklist* OR instrument* OR pretest* OR posttest* OR interview* . It's generally unwise to limit to any particular field here, since the name of a test may show up in the abstract or the identifier, so to be comprehensive you need to search both.

To narrow your results, if they're too broad, consider using the ERIC Thesaurus to find the appropriate descriptor for your topic.

Alternately, you can use additional keywords to reduce irrelevant results.

ERIC does have a Publication Type limit for Tests/Questionnaires , but it significantly narrows your search results. That may make it difficult to find test name options that you could try in another database, even if they don't show up in ERIC.

Searching By Title

As mentioned in the Searching By Topic box above, limiting to a specific field isn't your best option here, so try putting the name of your instrument (if you know it exactly) in quotation marks. You can use the acronym instead, if you know it.

Searching For Evaluations

Follow the instructions for either Searching By Topic or Searching By Name , depending on what you're trying to do. In the final box, put this string of words: "Test Reviews" OR "Test Reliability" OR "Test Validity" OR "Construct Validity" OR "Content Validity" and use the drop-down menu next to the box to select SU Descriptors . This tells ERIC to search the descriptor field for terms relating to evaluation of tests.

If you're searching by topic, this will give you considerably more results than a more specific search. As an alternative, if you want only test reviews, just use "Test Reviews" instead, still using the drop-down to choose SU Descriptors .

What is ERIC?

ERIC is an excellent database for searching the education literature.

• ERIC (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window This database, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education, includes citations, abstracts, and full-text of scholarly journal articles, reports, and more related to all facets of education.
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• Next: Health & Psychosocial Instruments >>

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How to Write a Research Proposal: Checklist Example

If you are a PhD doctoral or Master’s student approaching graduation, then a large research project, dissertation, or thesis is in your future. These capstone research projects take months if not years of preparation, and the first step in this process is first writing a compelling, organized, and effective research proposal.

Check out the  key differences between dissertation and thesis .

Research Proposal Checklists Are Important

We’ve got some good and bad news for the PhD and Master’s graduate students out there. 

First, the bad news. Research proposals are not easy to write. They require lots of preparation and planning. They can also seem to be an administrative task, with your PhD advisors constantly reminding you to write something that you’re not yet sure about. And of course, it’s also yet another written document that could be rejected. 

Now, the good news. Research proposals help you organize and focus your research. They also eliminate irrelevant topics that your research cannot or should not cover. Further, they help signal your academic superiors (professors, advisors, scientific community) that your research is worth pursuing.

Research proposal checklists  go one step further. A research proposal checklist helps you identify  what  you will research,  why  it is important and relevant, and  how  you will perform the research. 

This last part is critical. Research proposals are often rejected for not being feasible or being unfocused. But an organized research or thesis proposal checklist can help you stay on topic. 

This article goes into the following topics about research proposal checklists:

What is a Research Proposal?

Research proposals are documents that propose a research project in the sciences or academic fields and request funding or sponsorship.

The primary objective is to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project as well as an organized plan to accomplish‌ ‌it. 

A main purpose of a research plan is to clearly state the central research topic or question that you intend to research while providing a solid background of your particular area of research.

Your research proposal must contain a quick  summary of the current literature , including gaps in your research area’s knowledge base as well as areas of controversy, which together demonstrate your proposal is relevant, timely, and worth pursuing.

But what functions does a research proposal perform?:

Research proposals explain your research topic

An  effective  research proposal should answer the following questions:

• What is my research about? 
• What specific academic area will I be researching?
• What is the current scientific and academic literature?
• What are the accepted theories in my area of research?
• What are gaps in the knowledge base?
• What are key questions researchers are currently trying to answer?

Research proposals explain why your research topic is important

A  compelling  research proposal should answer the following questions:

• Why is my research important?
• Why is my research interesting to both academics and laypeople?
• What are my  research questions ? 
• How does my research contribute to the literature?
• How will my dissertation or thesis answer gaps or unsolved questions?
• How or why would my research earn funding in the future?
• How does my research relate to wider society or public health?

Research proposals explain how you will perform your research

A  feasible  research proposal should answer the following questions:

• How will my research be performed?
• What are my exact methods?
• What materials will I need to purchase? 
• What materials will I need to borrow from other researchers in my field?
• What relationships do I need to make or maintain with other academics?
• What is my research proposal timeline?
• What are the standard research procedures? 
• Are there any  study limitations  to discuss?
• Will I need to modify any research methods? What, if any, problems will this introduce?

Research Proposal Example Checklist

Use this research proposal example checklist as an aid to draft your own research proposal. This can help you decide what information to include and keep your ideas logically structured. 

Remember, if your research proposal cannot effectively answer every single question below, then you may want to consult your advisor. It doesn’t mean your chosen research topic is bad; it just means certain areas may need some additional focus.

Click here for the full Research Proposal Example Checklist in .pdf form

Research Proposal Title

The title of your research proposal must attract the reader’s eye, be descriptive of the research question, and be understandable for both casual and academic readers.

The title of your research proposal should do the following:

• Effectively summarize the main research idea
• Be clear to the general public
• Be compelling to academic researchers and other graduate students
• Fully explain the independent and dependent variables
• Avoid abbreviations and excessive  use of articles

Research Proposal Introduction and Research Background

The introduction typically begins with a general overview of your research field, focusing on a specific research problem or question. This is followed by an explanation of why the study should be conducted.

The introduction of your research proposal should answer the following questions:

• What is the research problem, research question, and purpose of the study?
• What is the rationale behind my study? 
• Why is answering this research question important?
• What are the major issues your research will address?
• What are the major challenges in answering the research question?
• Did you highlight or clarify the research discrepancies?

Significance of Research Proposal 

Your proposal’s introduction section should also clearly communicate why your research is significant, relevant, timely, and valid.

To effectively confirm the significance of your proposal, make sure your study accomplishes the following:

• The research results fill a defined gap in the knowledge.
• The proposed study will advance understanding of the subject.
• The research results will lead to the improvement of commonly used experimental models and methods in the future.
• The research results will yield novel findings that have academic and/or practical value.

Research Proposal Literature Review

In the literature review section, you should provide a review of the current state of the literature as well as provide a summary of the results generated by your research. Determine relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research to support your research claim. 

State an overview and significance of your primary resources and provide a critical analysis highlighting what those sources lack and future directions for research.

• List your primary sources.
• List your secondary sources.
• Discuss influential research papers, paradigms, and modalities. 
• What is lacking in well-accepted research paradigms in your research field?
• What are the main theories, methods, and controversies in your research field?
• How does your research question or problem tie into the current literature? Does it extend a current idea or run counter to it?

Research Proposal Theoretical Methodology and Design

Following the literature review, it is a good idea to restate your main objectives, bringing the focus back to your own project. The research design or methodology section should describe the overall approach and practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To help you write a clear and structured methodology, use your plan and answer the following issues. This will give you an outline to follow and keep you on track when writing this section of your research proposal. 

• Explain whether your research method will be a study or an experiment.
• Is your research for a PhD dissertation or Master’s program?
• Explain the theoretical resources motivating your choice of methods.
• Explain how particular methods enable you to answer your research question.
• Credit any colleagues or researchers you will collaborate with.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen methodology.
• What is the timeline of your research experiment or study?
• Compare/contrast your research design with that of the literature and other research on your topic. 
• Are there any different or alternative methods or materials that will be used?

Additionally, explain how your results will be processed:

• How will your research results be processed and interpreted?
• What data types will your results be in?
• Explain the statistical models and processes you must perform (e.g. Student’s t-test).
• Will your study be more statistically rigorous than other studies?

Read about  how to explain research methods clearly for reproducibility .

Research Proposal Discussion and Conclusion

Your  discussion and conclusion section  has an important purpose: to persuade the reader of your proposed research study’s potential impact. This section should also directly address potential weaknesses and criticisms put forth by other researchers and academics.

• Explain the limitations and weaknesses of the proposed research.
• Explain how any potential weaknesses would be justified by extenuating circumstances such as time and financial constraints.
• What, if any, alternative research questions or problems naturally can be answered in the future?
• How does the research strengthen, support, or challenge a current theoretical framework or model?

References and Bibliography

Although it comes at the end, your reference section is vital and will be carefully scrutinized. It should include all sources of information you used to support your research, and it should be in the correct citation format. 

• Provide a complete list of references for all cited statements.
• Make sure citations are in the correct format (e.g. APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.)
• References are present in the introduction, literature review, and methodology sections.

Use the Wordvice APA Citation Generator  to instantly generate citations in APA Style, or choose one of the formats below to generate citations for the citation style of your academic work:

Using Research Proposal Examples

Although every research proposal is unique, it is a good idea to take a look at examples of research proposals before writing your initial proposal draft. This will help you understand the academic level you should aim for. Be sure to include a reference list at the end of your proposal as described above. 

In addition to reading research proposal examples, you should also outline your research proposal to make sure no crucial information or research proposal sections are missing from your final manuscript. Although the sections included in a research proposal may vary depending on whether it is a grant, doctoral dissertation, conference paper, or professional project, there are many sections in common. Knowing the differences before you draft will ensure that your proposal is cohesive and thorough.

Research Proposal Proofreading and Editing

It’s vital to take the time to redraft, edit, and proofread a research proposal before submitting it to your PhD advisor or committee. Researchers and graduate students usually turn to a professional English editing service  like Wordvice to improve their research writing.

Our academic services, including thesis editing , dissertation editing , and research paper editing , will fully prepare any academic document for publication in academic journals.

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Home » Survey Instruments – List and Their Uses

Survey Instruments – List and Their Uses

Table of Contents

Survey Instruments

Definition:

Survey instruments are tools used to collect data from a sample of individuals or a population. They typically consist of a series of questions designed to gather information on a particular topic or issue.

List of Survey Instruments

Types of Survey Instruments are as follows:

• Questionnaire : A questionnaire is a survey instrument consisting of a series of questions designed to gather information from a large number of respondents.
• Interview Schedule : An interview schedule is a survey instrument that is used to collect data from a small number of individuals through a face-to-face conversation or online communication.
• Focus Group Discussion Guide: A focus group discussion guide is a survey instrument used to facilitate a group discussion on a particular topic to collect opinions, attitudes, and perceptions of participants.
• Observation Checklist : An observation checklist is a survey instrument that is used to observe and record behaviors, events, or processes in a systematic and organized manner.
• Rating Scale: A rating scale is a survey instrument that is used to measure the extent to which an individual agrees or disagrees with a particular statement, or rates the quality of a product, service, or experience.
• Likert Scale: A Likert scale is a survey instrument that is used to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions of individuals towards a particular topic or statement.
• Semantic Differential Scale : A semantic differential scale is a survey instrument that is used to measure the connotative meaning of a particular concept, product, or service.
• Checklist: A checklist is a survey instrument that is used to systematically gather information on a specific topic or subject.
• Diaries and Logs: Diaries and logs are survey instruments that are used to record behaviors, activities, and experiences of participants over a period of time.
• Case Study: A case study is a survey instrument that is used to investigate a particular phenomenon, process, or event in-depth by analyzing the data from multiple sources.
• Ethnographic Field Notes : Ethnographic field notes are survey instruments used by ethnographers to record their observations and reflections during fieldwork, often in the form of detailed descriptions of people, places, and events.
• Psychometric Tests : Psychometric tests are survey instruments used to measure cognitive abilities, aptitudes, and personality traits.
• Exit Interviews : Exit interviews are survey instruments used to gather feedback from departing employees about their experiences working for a company, organization, or institution.
• Needs Assessment Surveys: Needs assessment surveys are survey instruments used to identify the needs, priorities, and preferences of a target population to inform program development and resource allocation.
• Community Needs Assessments : Community needs assessments are survey instruments used to gather information about the needs and priorities of a particular community, including its demographics, resources, and challenges.
• Performance Appraisal Forms: Performance appraisal forms are survey instruments used to evaluate the performance of employees against specific job-related criteria.
• Customer Needs Assessment Surveys: Customer needs assessment surveys are survey instruments used to identify the needs and preferences of customers to inform product development and marketing strategies.
• Learning Style Inventories : Learning style inventories are survey instruments used to identify an individual’s preferred learning style, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
• Team Performance Assessments: Team performance assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate the effectiveness of teams in achieving their goals and objectives.
• Organizational Climate Surveys: Organizational climate surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about the perceptions, attitudes, and values of employees towards their workplace.
• Employee Engagement Surveys: Employee engagement surveys are survey instruments used to measure the level of engagement, satisfaction, and commitment of employees towards their job and the organization.
• Self-Report Measures: Self-report measures are survey instruments used to gather information directly from participants about their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Personality Inventories: Personality inventories are survey instruments used to measure individual differences in personality traits such as extroversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.
• Achievement Tests : Achievement tests are survey instruments used to measure the knowledge or skills acquired by individuals in a specific subject area or academic discipline.
• Attitude Scales: Attitude scales are survey instruments used to measure the degree to which an individual holds a particular attitude or belief towards a specific object, person, or idea.
• Customer Satisfaction Surveys: Customer satisfaction surveys are survey instruments used to gather feedback from customers about their experience with a product or service.
• Market Research Surveys: Market research surveys are survey instruments used to collect data on consumer behavior, market trends, and preferences to inform business decisions.
• Health Assessments: Health assessments are survey instruments used to gather information about an individual’s physical and mental health status, including medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors.
• Environmental Surveys: Environmental surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about environmental conditions and the impact of human activities on the natural world.
• Program Evaluation Surveys : Program evaluation surveys are survey instruments used to assess the effectiveness of programs and interventions in achieving their intended outcomes.
• Culture Assessments: Culture assessments are survey instruments used to gather information about the culture of an organization, including its values, beliefs, and practices.
• Customer Feedback Forms: Customer feedback forms are survey instruments used to gather feedback from customers about their experience with a product, service, or company.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Forms: User acceptance testing (UAT) forms are survey instruments used to gather feedback from users about the functionality and usability of a software application or system.
• Stakeholder Surveys: Stakeholder surveys are survey instruments used to gather feedback from stakeholders, such as customers, employees, investors, and partners, about their perceptions and expectations of an organization or project.
• Social Network Analysis (SNA) Surveys: Social network analysis (SNA) surveys are survey instruments used to map and analyze social networks and relationships within a group or community.
• Leadership Assessments: Leadership assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate the leadership skills, styles, and behaviors of individuals in a leadership role.
• Exit Polls : Exit polls are survey instruments used to gather data on voting patterns and preferences in an election or referendum.
• Customer Loyalty Surveys : Customer loyalty surveys are survey instruments used to measure the level of loyalty and advocacy of customers towards a brand or company.
• Online Feedback Forms : Online feedback forms are survey instruments used to gather feedback from website visitors, customers, or users about their experience with a website, application, or digital product.
• Needs Analysis Surveys: Needs analysis surveys are survey instruments used to identify the training and development needs of employees or students to inform curriculum design and professional development programs.
• Career Assessments: Career assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate an individual’s interests, values, and skills to inform career decision-making and planning.
• Customer Perception Surveys: Customer perception surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about how customers perceive a product, service, or brand.
• Employee Satisfaction Surveys: Employee satisfaction surveys are survey instruments used to measure the level of job satisfaction, engagement, and motivation of employees.
• Conflict Resolution Assessments: Conflict resolution assessments are survey instruments used to identify the causes and sources of conflict in a group or organization and to inform conflict resolution strategies.
• Cultural Competence Assessments: Cultural competence assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate an individual’s ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Job Analysis Surveys: Job analysis surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about the tasks, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular job or position.
• Employee Turnover Surveys : Employee turnover surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about the reasons why employees leave a company or organization.
• Quality of Life Assessments: Quality of life assessments are survey instruments used to gather information about an individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.
• User Satisfaction Surveys: User satisfaction surveys are survey instruments used to gather feedback from users about their satisfaction with a product, service, or application.
• Data Collection Forms: Data collection forms are survey instruments used to gather information about a specific research question or topic, often used in quantitative research.
• Program Evaluation Forms: Program evaluation forms are survey instruments used to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of a program or intervention.
• Cultural Awareness Surveys: Cultural awareness surveys are survey instruments used to assess an individual’s knowledge and understanding of different cultures and customs.
• Employee Perception Surveys: Employee perception surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about how employees perceive their work environment, management, and colleagues.
• Leadership 360 Assessments: Leadership 360 assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate the leadership skills, styles, and behaviors of individuals from multiple perspectives, including self-assessment, peer feedback, and supervisor evaluation.
• Health Needs Assessments: Health needs assessments are survey instruments used to gather information about the health needs and priorities of a population to inform public health policies and programs.
• Social Capital Surveys: Social capital surveys are survey instruments used to measure the social networks and relationships within a community and their impact on social and economic outcomes.
• Psychosocial Assessments: Psychosocial assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate an individual’s psychological, social, and emotional well-being.
• Training Evaluation Forms: Training evaluation forms are survey instruments used to assess the effectiveness and impact of a training program on knowledge, skills, and behavior.
• Patient Satisfaction Surveys: Patient satisfaction surveys are survey instruments used to gather feedback from patients about their experience with healthcare services and providers.
• Program Needs Assessments : Program needs assessments are survey instruments used to identify the needs, goals, and expectations of stakeholders for a program or intervention.
• Community Needs Assessments: Community needs assessments are survey instruments used to gather information about the needs, challenges, and assets of a community to inform community development programs and policies.
• Environmental Assessments : Environmental assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate the environmental impact of a project, program, or policy.
• Stakeholder Analysis Surveys: Stakeholder analysis surveys are survey instruments used to identify and prioritize the needs, interests, and influence of stakeholders in a project or initiative.
• Performance Appraisal Forms: Performance appraisal forms are survey instruments used to evaluate the performance and contribution of employees to inform promotions, rewards, and career development plans.
• Consumer Behavior Surveys : Consumer behavior surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of consumers towards products, brands, and services.
• Audience Feedback Forms : Audience feedback forms are survey instruments used to gather feedback from audience members about their experience with a performance, event, or media content.
• Market Research Surveys: Market research surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about market trends, customer preferences, and competition to inform business strategy and decision-making.
• Health Risk Assessments: Health risk assessments are survey instruments used to identify an individual’s health risks and to provide personalized recommendations for preventive care and lifestyle changes.
• Employee Engagement Surveys : Employee engagement surveys are survey instruments used to measure the level of employee engagement, commitment, and motivation in a company or organization.
• Social Impact Assessments: Social impact assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impact of a project or policy on stakeholders and the community.
• Needs Assessment Forms : Needs assessment forms are survey instruments used to identify the needs, expectations, and priorities of stakeholders for a particular program, service, or project.
• Organizational Climate Surveys: Organizational climate surveys are survey instruments used to measure the overall culture, values, and climate of an organization, including the level of trust, communication, and support.
• Risk Assessment Forms: Risk assessment forms are survey instruments used to identify and evaluate potential risks associated with a project, program, or activity.
• Customer Service Surveys: Customer service surveys are survey instruments used to gather feedback from customers about the quality of customer service provided by a company or organization.
• Performance Evaluation Forms : Performance evaluation forms are survey instruments used to evaluate the performance and contribution of employees to inform promotions, rewards, and career development plans.
• Community Impact Assessments : Community impact assessments are survey instruments used to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impact of a project or policy on the community.
• Health Status Surveys : Health status surveys are survey instruments used to gather information about an individual’s health status, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Organizational Effectiveness Surveys: Organizational effectiveness surveys are survey instruments used to measure the overall effectiveness and performance of an organization, including the alignment of goals, strategies, and outcomes.
• Program Implementation Surveys: Program implementation surveys are survey instruments used to evaluate the implementation process of a program or intervention, including the quality, fidelity, and sustainability.
• Social Support Surveys : Social support surveys are survey instruments used to measure the level of social support and connectedness within a community or group and their impact on health and well-being.

Survey Instruments in Research Methods

The following are some commonly used survey instruments in research methods:

• Questionnaires : A questionnaire is a set of standardized questions designed to collect information about a specific topic. Questionnaires can be administered in different ways, including in person, over the phone, or online.
• Interviews : Interviews involve asking participants a series of questions in a face-to-face or phone conversation. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured depending on the research question and the researcher’s goals.
• Surveys : Surveys are used to collect data from a large number of participants through self-report. Surveys can be administered through various mediums, including paper-based, phone-based, and online surveys.
• Focus Groups : A focus group is a qualitative research method where a group of individuals is brought together to discuss a particular topic. The goal is to gather in-depth information about participants’ perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs.
• Case Studies: A case study is an in-depth analysis of an individual, group, or organization. The researcher collects data through various methods, including interviews, observation, and document analysis.
• Observations : Observations involve watching participants in their natural setting and recording their behavior. Observations can be structured or unstructured, and the data collected can be qualitative or quantitative.

Survey Instruments in Qualitative Research

In qualitative research , survey instruments are used to gather data from participants through structured or semi-structured questionnaires. These instruments are used to gather information on a wide range of topics, including attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, experiences, and behaviors.

Here are some commonly used survey instruments in qualitative research:

• Focus groups
• Questionnaires
• Observation
• Document analysis

Survey Instruments in Quantitative Research

Survey instruments are commonly used in quantitative research to collect data from a large number of respondents. The following are some commonly used survey instruments:

• Self-Administered Surveys:
• Telephone Surveys
• Online Surveys
• Focus Groups
• Observations

Importance of Survey Instruments

Here are some reasons why survey instruments are important:

• Provide valuable insights : Survey instruments help researchers gather accurate data and provide valuable insights into various phenomena. Researchers can use the data collected through surveys to analyze trends, patterns, and relationships between variables, leading to a better understanding of the topic at hand.
• Measure changes over time: By using survey instruments, researchers can measure changes in attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors over time. This allows them to identify trends and patterns, which can inform policy decisions and interventions.
• Inform decision-making: Survey instruments can provide decision-makers with information on the opinions, preferences, and needs of a particular group. This information can be used to make informed decisions and to tailor programs and policies to meet the specific needs of a population.
• Cost-effective: Compared to other research methods, such as focus groups or in-depth interviews, survey instruments are relatively cost-effective. They can be administered to a large number of participants at once, and data can be collected and analyzed quickly and efficiently.
• Standardization : Survey instruments can be standardized to ensure that all participants are asked the same questions in the same way. This helps to ensure that the data collected is consistent and reliable.

Applications of Survey Instruments

The data collected through surveys can be used for various purposes, including:

• Market research : Surveys can be used to collect data on consumer preferences, habits, and opinions, which can help businesses make informed decisions about their products or services.
• Social research: Surveys can be used to collect data on social issues such as public opinion, political preferences, and attitudes towards social policies.
• Health research: Surveys can be used to collect data on health-related issues such as disease prevalence, risk factors, and health behaviors.
• Education research : Surveys can be used to collect data on education-related issues such as student satisfaction, teacher performance, and educational outcomes.
• Customer satisfaction: Surveys can be used to collect data on customer satisfaction, which can help businesses improve their products and services.
• Employee satisfaction : Surveys can be used to collect data on employee satisfaction, which can help employers improve their workplace policies and practices.
• Program evaluation : Surveys can be used to collect data on program outcomes and effectiveness, which can help organizations improve their programs.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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38+ SAMPLE Research Checklist in PDF | MS Word

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Research Paper Checklist

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When we think of research papers , we think of academic papers that students are tasked to write in order for them to pass the course or at least to pass the subject. A requirement for students when doing their research paper apart from a good research paper outline is a guide or a checklist. However, when we think of research papers, we rarely associate them with a checklist. The checklist helps students understand the positive and negative sides of their research paper. Many students, whether they are in high school or college, know that research papers are a must. What they may not associate the research paper with is the checklist that their professors often give out in order for the students to be guided. You may be wondering why a checklist is still necessary when writing a research paper. To get the answers you need, let’s take a look at the examples of a research paper checklist.

10+ Research Paper Checklist Examples

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2. Science Research Paper Checklist

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3. Editing Research Paper Checklist

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4. Research Paper Checklist Outline

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5. Junior Research Paper Checklist

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6. Research Paper Revision Checklist

7. Research Paper Content Checklist

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8. Research Paper Checklist Format

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9. Research Paper Rough Draft Checklist

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10. Research Paper Analysis Checklist

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11. Research Paper Grading Checklist

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What Is a Research Paper Checklist?

A checklist is a detailed tool that a variety of people may use for different reasons. It can be used by students, teachers, and even businessmen and women. As for a research paper checklist , we know that a research paper checklist is a kind of detailed tool that researchers use in order to coordinate their paper with what is being written in the checklist. It is also a helpful tool that helps guide the researchers to what they should be writing about. Consider a research paper checklist like that of an outline or a chapter outline , except the only difference is that you need only to tick the box when you are able to complete the assigned task. In addition to that, the importance of using a research paper checklist is it guides you to what you should be doing first to guide you to what should be done and how to do it. What to add and what to not forget.

How to Write a Research Paper Checklist

Getting ready to write your research paper? You would of course need a checklist to help you with that. We know that writing a research paper checklist from scratch may be a challenge especially if it is your first time writing a checklist. But not to worry, here are some steps to help you write out your research paper checklist.

1. Divide Your List Into Equal Parts

Dividing your drafted list into equal parts to make your checklist is one good thing for you to do. The list that is necessary for your checklist can be made into smaller parts for you to focus on. For example, you may place the first one as a title. The next would be the research outline format , etc.

2. Add the Information Needed

The information or the details that are needed based on the equal parts above would look like a few phrases or a single sentence, explaining what the researcher would need to do through the checklist.

3. Make Sure the Information Is Clear

Information that you write must at least be obvious or clear for the researcher to be doing. However, if you are going to be writing your own checklist, make sure you understand what you are placing and what you are supposed to be doing. As much as possible, use jargon that everyone can understand if you are working as a group and using the same checklist.

4. Place a Space for It to Be Ticked

Spaces are necessary when you make your checklist. To be able to tick the list, you have to make sure that you do not have to redo the same item or the same thing you listed again. It would also help you save time. Of course, it may depend on how you are going to do it. You may tick the box or simply crush out the entire sentence as a way to show it is done.

5. Proofread Your Checklist

Before you are able to use your research paper checklist, make sure to proofread them. Proofreading your checklist means you want to see if everything you would need is already present in the research paper checklist. It means that you want to see if there are things you may think about that you can use for your research paper checklist.

What is a research paper checklist?

A research paper checklist is a tool used that helps or caters to the things you need in order to make your research paper. The checklist consists of general to specific types of information that would help you complete your research paper.

How do you write a research paper checklist?

There are a lot of ways to write a research paper checklist. The most common thing you can do is to write down the necessary list and divide them into sections. These sections help by lessening the confusion and making it easier for you to do your entire checklist.

How can a research paper checklist help?

Research paper checklists help by giving you a list of the things you need to do in order to make your research paper a success.

Research papers are not an easy thing to do. There is no such thing as a perfect research paper that is being written out in a single sitting. This is why a lot of teachers or professors suggest or advise their students to make a research paper checklist. The checklist helps by guiding them in order to make the flow of writing easier.

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