This book introduces the latest methods for assessing the quality and validity of survey data by providing new ways of interpreting variation and measuring error. By practically and accessibly demonstrating these techniques, especially those derived from Multiple Correspondence Analysis, the authors develop screening procedures to search for variation in observed responses that do not correspond with actual differences between respondents. Using well-known international data sets, the authors show how to detect all manner of non-substantive variation from response styles including acquiescence, respondents' failure to understand questions, inadequate field work standards, interview fatigue, and even the manufacture of (partly) faked interviews.

Product Description: This book focuses on how to construct and demolish arguments based on numbers and prepares students for future statistics courses. Addressing serious students who may approach statistics with some fear and trepidation, this preparatory text provides explanations for statistical manipulations in familiar words...read more