Closed-ended questions
In planning a statewide study of the work plans and intentions of nonemployed registered nurses in Miami, Florida, it would be most effective to use a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions, but with a stronger emphasis on closed-ended questions. I prefer here’s why:
Advantages of Closed-Ended Questions
Quantitative Analysis: Closed-ended questions provide structured responses that are easier to quantify and analyze statistically. This is particularly important for a statewide study where large volumes of data need to be processed and compared efficiently.
Clarity and Consistency: These questions help ensure that all respondents interpret the questions similarly and provide responses within a predefined set of options, reducing variability due to differences in interpretation.
Time Efficiency: For respondents, closed-ended questions are quicker and easier to answer, which can improve response rates. This is crucial in ensuring that enough data is collected to make the study representative and reliable.
Comparability: Responses from closed-ended questions can be directly compared across different demographic groups and regions, facilitating the identification of trends and patterns in the work plans and intentions of nonemployed registered nurses.
Supporting Evidence
Fink (2003) explains that closed-ended questions are useful in surveys for gathering data that need to be compared and analyzed statistically. They allow for the efficient collection of consistent data across large samples, which is essential for the generalization of findings in a statewide study【Fink, A. (2003). The Survey Handbook. Sage Publications.】.
Patton (2002) highlights that closed-ended questions are particularly effective when the goal is to generate quantitative data that can be systematically analyzed. This aligns well with the objectives of understanding work plans and intentions on a broad scale【Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.】.
Balancing with Open-Ended Questions
While the focus would be on closed-ended questions, incorporating some open-ended questions is beneficial:
Exploring Depth and Nuance: Open-ended questions can capture the nuances of personal experiences and motivations that closed-ended questions might miss. This qualitative data can provide context and depth to the quantitative findings.
Identifying New Issues: They allow respondents to express concerns, intentions, or suggestions that the researchers might not have anticipated, which can be valuable for understanding the full scope of issues faced by nonemployed registered nurses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a mostly closed-ended question approach is recommended for its efficiency, clarity, and ease of analysis, which are critical for a large-scale study. However, supplementing with a few open-ended questions can enrich the data and provide deeper insights into the motivations and barriers faced by nonemployed registered nurses in Miami, Florida.
References:
Fink, A. (2003). The Survey Handbook. Sage Publications.
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.
