This was an interesting process. I began by creating the survey to the best of my ability, using the references provided in the module to carefully order and word each of the questions in a logical and simple manner. Using Google Forms, I organized the questions onto different pages, each with its own focus area.
In giving the form to my testers, with only providing very general guidance about the feedback that I was looking for, I got the impression that the order and organization must have been solid as the group focus almost entirely on specific wording and on making specific suggestion as opposed to giving broad feedback. There was little mention of the scales used or other specific organizational elements (like putting broad, overview questions before the demographics to increase engagement). I want to take this as a compliment to my efforts but I'm really not sure about that as I would still say I don't feel terribly confident in my ability to create a powerful and information rich survey.
I have also attempted to engage a Sunrise of Life Board member but have yet to receive their feedback.
Below you will find the link to my original survey, followed by the suggestions for improvement gathered during the process:
Link to original survey: Sunrise of Life Survey - Attempt 1
Suggestions:
First Page:
Sunrise of Life: Tupendane:
Tupendane-Education:
With these suggestions, the survey was altered to improve the specificity of the language used in the questions and statements. Once feedback is received from the Board of Directors member, I have no doubt more changes will need to be made but, out of respect for the due date of this assignment, revisions have been made to reflect the feedback gathered to this point. (Lesson learned: It takes longer to get feedback from individuals outside of a specific focus group).
Also, I believe that the responses gathered from the focus group reflect a very Canadian perspective on the survey. Some of the changes made to the survey reflect this perspective and may have to be altered again when feedback from someone with more direct experience with the target population offers their suggestions.
Another revision point may occur when the survey is translated into a different language as the meaning of the questions/statements may be altered by this process.
Link to modified survey: Sunrise of Life Survey - Attempt 2
In giving the form to my testers, with only providing very general guidance about the feedback that I was looking for, I got the impression that the order and organization must have been solid as the group focus almost entirely on specific wording and on making specific suggestion as opposed to giving broad feedback. There was little mention of the scales used or other specific organizational elements (like putting broad, overview questions before the demographics to increase engagement). I want to take this as a compliment to my efforts but I'm really not sure about that as I would still say I don't feel terribly confident in my ability to create a powerful and information rich survey.
I have also attempted to engage a Sunrise of Life Board member but have yet to receive their feedback.
Below you will find the link to my original survey, followed by the suggestions for improvement gathered during the process:
Link to original survey: Sunrise of Life Survey - Attempt 1
Suggestions:
First Page:
- should it be honest or truthful in the first paragraph.
- Is this information important for “you to know” or for you to use to make a better place etc.
- I find the first sentence in paragraph three of the first page confusing. Are you keeping the information confidential or sharing it?
- Being at Sunrise of Life has created new opportunities for me...maybe new possibilities? Opportunities makes it sound like to me that everyone will be given a distinct opportunity as opposed to new possibilities for new choices.
- Care about me: cares about my quality of life?
- Extra row - answer grid but no statement
Sunrise of Life: Tupendane:
- Should you be asking how often they missed meals as opposed to how often were they hungry? It might make it easier to say that they were hungry 50% etc,
- At no point do you ask about meat consumption. Would they not be consuming any meat or protein?
- Sunrise of Life teaches me how to care for myself, my body and my health.
- Sunrise of Life provides me with nutritious meals and teaches me about healthy nutrition
Tupendane-Education:
- Can we make a distinction between the questions on safe at school and safe ‘traveling’ to school?
- ‘I feel safe and secure’ with the staff members at Tupendane.
- ‘The staff at Tupendane are responsible and caring.’
- The building I live in is clean and cared for.
- The bed I sleep in is clean.
- The bathrooms are clean and sanitary?
With these suggestions, the survey was altered to improve the specificity of the language used in the questions and statements. Once feedback is received from the Board of Directors member, I have no doubt more changes will need to be made but, out of respect for the due date of this assignment, revisions have been made to reflect the feedback gathered to this point. (Lesson learned: It takes longer to get feedback from individuals outside of a specific focus group).
Also, I believe that the responses gathered from the focus group reflect a very Canadian perspective on the survey. Some of the changes made to the survey reflect this perspective and may have to be altered again when feedback from someone with more direct experience with the target population offers their suggestions.
Another revision point may occur when the survey is translated into a different language as the meaning of the questions/statements may be altered by this process.
Link to modified survey: Sunrise of Life Survey - Attempt 2