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JRCERT Update
For example, a survey question that asks graduates 5. Leggett TD, Eatmon S. Data analysis: closing the loop in assess-
whether they are prepared to take the American ment. Radiol Technol. 2017;88(5):545-547.
Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam might ben- 6. Newcomer KE, Hatry HP, Wholey JS. Handbook of Practical
efit from a neutral answer option because making such 7. Program Evaluation. 4th ed. Wiley; 2015.
Loftus EF. Planting misinformation in the human mind: a
a selection is easier than admitting they are unprepared. 30-year investigation of the malleability of memory. Learn Mem.
In the absence of a neutral response, graduates who do 2005;12(4):361-366. doi:10.1101/lm.94705
not feel prepared might choose a positive response to 8. Schwarz N, Strack F, Mai H. Assimilation and contrast effects in
avoid admitting their concerns. part-whole question sequences: a conversational logic analysis.
One also should consider that providing options Public Opin Q. 1991;55(1):3-23. doi:10.1086/269239
such as “Do Not Know” or “No Opinion” discourages 9. Thau M, Mikkelsen MF, Hjortskov M, Pedersen MJ. Question
order bias revisited: a split‐ballot experiment on satisfaction with
thought about the topic and increases the likelihood of public services among experienced and professional users. Public
a nonresponse. In addition, program surveys soliciting Adm. June 22, 2020;1-16.
6
feedback from communities of interest should ask ques- 10. Questionnaire Design. Pew Research Center. Published 2017.
tions targeted to the respondent, thereby eliminating Accessed September 9, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org
/methods/u-s-survey-research/questionnaire-design/
the need for a “Not Applicable” option. 11. Chyung SY, Roberts K, Swanson I, Hankinson A. Evidence‐
based survey design: the use of a midpoint on the Likert scale.
Conclusion Perform Improv. 2017;56(10):15-23. doi:10.1002/pfi.21727
Developing a survey to solicit responses from a 12. Johns R. One size doesn’t fit all: selecting response scales for atti-
program’s communities of interest to identify areas for tude items. J Elections Public Opin Parties. 2005;15(2):237-264.
doi:10.1080/13689880500178849
improvement can be beneficial and provide reliable 13. Edwards ML, Smith BC. The effects of the neutral response
information if developed properly. Understanding the option on the extremeness of participant responses. J Undergrad
thought process regarding how respondents answer sur- Scholarsh. 2014;6.
vey questions can provide unique insight and capture 14. Krosnick JA. Survey research. Annu Rev Psychol. 1999;50(1):537-
the intended data. 567. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.50.1.537
Chad Hensley, PhD, R.T.(R)(MR), serves as secretary-
treasurer on the Joint Review Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology board of directors. He also is the
radiography program director for the University of Nevada,
Las Vegas.
References
1. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology. Standards for an accredited educational program
in radiography. Published April 2020. Accessed September 9,
2020. https://wordpress-1182231-4152295.cloudwaysapps.com/sites/jrcert2/uploads/documents
/2021_Standards/2021_Standards_Radiography.pdf
2. Jabine TB, Straf ML, Tanur JM, Tourangeau R, eds. Cognitive
Aspects of Survey Methodology: Building a Bridge Between
Disciplines. National Academy Press; 1984:73-100.
3. Tourangeau R. The survey response process from a cognitive
viewpoint. Qual Assur Educ. 2018;26(2). doi:10.1108/QAE-06
-2017-0034
4. Krosnick JA. Response strategies for coping with the cognitive
demands of attitude measures in surveys. Appl Cogn Psychol.
1991;5(3):213-236. doi:10.1002/acp.2350050305
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