Neal Krause1. 1. Department of Health Behavior and Public Education, School of Public Health, Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA. nkrause@umich.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of a nine-step strategy for devising closed-ended survey questions that assess religion in late life. The intent was to illustrate one way in which qualitative and quantitative methods could be combined in the same study. METHODS: The following methods and procedures were developed to create closed-ended questions: Focus groups, in-depth interviews, input from ongoing quantitative studies, input from an expert panel, cognitive interviews, a quantitative pretest, a nationwide random probability sample of elderly people, and rigorous empirical psychometric testing. Three hundred ninety-nine older people took part in the first seven steps, and 1,500 elders participated in the nationwide survey. RESULTS: Approximately 175 closed-ended survey items were developed assessing 14 different major dimensions of religion. In the process, practical solutions to a number of problems encountered in implementing the nine-step strategy are discussed. DISCUSSION: The item development strategy may serve as a template that can be used to improve the quality of closed-ended survey items that assess a wide range of topics in social gerontology.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of a nine-step strategy for devising closed-ended survey questions that assess religion in late life. The intent was to illustrate one way in which qualitative and quantitative methods could be combined in the same study. METHODS: The following methods and procedures were developed to create closed-ended questions: Focus groups, in-depth interviews, input from ongoing quantitative studies, input from an expert panel, cognitive interviews, a quantitative pretest, a nationwide random probability sample of elderly people, and rigorous empirical psychometric testing. Three hundred ninety-nine older people took part in the first seven steps, and 1,500 elders participated in the nationwide survey. RESULTS: Approximately 175 closed-ended survey items were developed assessing 14 different major dimensions of religion. In the process, practical solutions to a number of problems encountered in implementing the nine-step strategy are discussed. DISCUSSION: The item development strategy may serve as a template that can be used to improve the quality of closed-ended survey items that assess a wide range of topics in social gerontology.
Authors: Marcella Nunez-Smith; Nanlesta Pilgrim; Matthew Wynia; Mayur M Desai; Beth A Jones; Cedric Bright; Harlan M Krumholz; Elizabeth H Bradley Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2009-09-01 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Leslie A Curry; Harlan M Krumholz; Alicia O'Cathain; Vicki L Plano Clark; Emily Cherlin; Elizabeth H Bradley Journal: Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes Date: 2013-01-01
Authors: Cheryl L Holt; Eddie M Clark; David Roth; Martha Crowther; Connie Kohler; Mona Fouad; Rusty Foushee; Patricia A Lee; Penny L Southward Journal: J Black Psychol Date: 2009-05-01