Survey Instruments

Our research on Survey Instruments aims to increase the quality of measurement in surveys. Thus, we develop quality-tested data collection instruments, adapt existing instruments for their use as German-speaking instruments or we harmonize different instruments. We investigate the effects of questionnaire design in different modes of data collection and examine response styles. Furthermore we look at the response process by using behavioral data produced by eye tracking systems. So we are able to generate knowledge about these important cognitive processes.

Exemplary research topics are:

• Harmonization of data collection instruments
• Measurement of occupation in cross-cultural context
• Development and validation of short scales for non-cognitive skills
• New methods of cognitive pretesting, e.g. web probing and eye-tracking
• Effects of questionnaire design on quality and equivalence of measurement
• Relevance, structure and determinants of acquiescence
• Estimation of reliability and validity with Structural Equation Models
• Selection of items by means of Ant-Colony-Algorithms