Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Cognitive interviewing is a frequently used method to pre-test survey questions. Research in this field has focused on the strengths and weaknesses of various data collection techniques, but failure to publish results along with non-standardized methods of data analysis have hampered the field’s growth.

This paper will describe the efforts of the Cognitive Methods Staff (CMS) at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in developing Q-BANK, a database of questions for national health surveys tested in their Questionnaire Design Research Laboratory (QDRL). The database catalogues tested questions and links each question to cognitive testing findings. Questions are searchable not only by content or subject matter (e.g. asthma questions, cancer questions, demographics), but also by question type (e.g. objective characteristics, behavioral reports, attitudes), response category type (e.g. yes/no, open-ended, quantity), and response error type (e.g. problems with terms, recall problems). A statistical tool has been developed that performs basic statistical procedures on questions in the database.

Q-BANK, when completed, will centralize cognitive testing reports with links to specific questions and topic areas and will advance the field by:

1. providing an invaluable resource in the development of new questions
2. allowing question and response error comparisons across studies
3. performing analysis on the characteristics of questions contributing to specific response errors

and serving as a research tool investigating response error; Q-BANK may give researchers a new methodology with which to study the question-response process.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: We examine the general orientations of Latinos to the US political system. Specifically, we determine the degree to which Latino or Hispanic residents of the United States find government worthy of their trust, believe they have an influence on the direction of policy, and act to shape policy outcomes. Using survey data from a variety of recent surveys at the national level and within California, we find that immigrants have a surprisingly positive view of the US government and their role in the political system, higher in fact than even some native-born Anglo citizens. Moreover, that enthusiasm translates into considerably greater confidence in the efficacy of direct political action, in this case specifically referring to the marches of Spring 2006. We discuss the implications of these findings to Latino political incorporation and the future of the American polity.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Survivor is part of the reality show phenomenon that has dominated the television schedules since 2000; after 7 years Survivor is currently in its 15th season and still garnering enviable ratings as measured by Nielsen Media Research.
Much of the literature on reality programming and Survivor has been either textual or critical analysis, especially with regard to gender identity. Gender identity and construction in reality television is very important because of the mass audience that is created with reality programming.
This study utilizes Q method to gain a better understanding of how gender identity is perceived in the reality show Survivor. Forty-six participants viewed four episodes of Survivor and were then asked to rank order female contestants and then male contestants based on the most masculine to most feminine condition. From the results only one factor emerged for the female contestants. However, the male contestants produced four different factors.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Most disagreement and conflict are based on differences in the underlying values and assumptions of parties to the conflict. The more we know and understand those underlying values, the more constructive the dialog, and the more likely acceptable policy decisions. This study uncovered some of the major discourses and paradigms in biodiversity conservation by means a Q-method study. Some of the key contributors to the biodiversity conservation literature were surveyed as part of the data collection to uncover underlying assumptions about biodiversity conservation in protected areas. Three distinct paradigms emerged from the data. This paper will report the results and conclusions of a discourse analysis and will explain the implications of these underlying values for biodiversity conservation. The paper will conclude by demonstrating the value of this particular methodology (Q – method) for resolving complex environmental problems.