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This course offers a practical and engaging introduction to the design, evaluation, and application of research instruments, with particular emphasis on CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing) questionnaires. It is tailored for students across a range of disciplines—including sociology, political science, economics, journalism, and international relations—who wish to develop or refine their first research tools, particularly in preparation for thesis work or applied research projects.
Throughout the course, students will follow a structured sequence of lectures and workshops, each focused on a specific methodological challenge in instrument development. Key topics include the prevention of response bias, effective question wording, attitude measurement, and the fundamentals of scale construction. By exploring these topics, students will acquire the skills needed to design robust research instruments capable of producing valid and reliable data. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and practice. Sessions are enriched with real-world examples, case studies, and interactive discussions that encourage critical thinking and methodological creativity. Students will not only learn how to assess the quality of existing instruments, but also how to create tools that meet the demands of rigorous academic and professional research. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical competencies to design research instruments that are methodologically sound, contextually appropriate, and analytically useful—ensuring meaningful insights and high research quality. Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)
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Course Competencies: a) Learn to design robust research instruments and construct methodologically sound research tools, with an emphasis on developing clear, concise, and effective questionnaires. b) Gain skills in creating engaging, unbiased questions that elicit valid and reliable data that accurately reflect respondents' perspectives and experiences. c) Gain a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of attitude measurement, including the selection of appropriate methods for specific research questions. d) Understand and apply various scaling methods in survey research, exploring the principles of scale construction and selection and their implications for data analysis and interpretation. This course will prepare you to develop high quality research tools that will enhance the credibility and impact of your research. This course will be held in the Jinonice building, room B228, on Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:20, starting on February 19, 2026 and ending on May 14, 2026. Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)
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Examination Students will be required to take midterm and final exams (closed book exam; single best answers). Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)
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Obligatory reading Hedrick, T. E., Bickman, L., Rog, D. J., 1993. Applied Research Design. A Practical Guide. London, SAGE Publication
Recommended reading Batini, C., Scannapieco, M., 2006. Data Quality. Concepts, Methodologies and Techniques. Berlin, Springer-Verlag. Biemer, P. P., Lyberg, L. E., 2003. Introduction to Survey Quality. New Jersey, Wiley. Sudman, S., Bradburn, N. M., Schwarz, N., 1996. Thinking about Answers: The Application of Cognitive Processes to Survey Methodology. New Jersey, Wiley. Willis, G. B., 2005. Cognitive Interviewing. A Tool of Improving Questionnaire Design. London, SAGE Publications. Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)
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Grading 91-100 % = A 81-90 % = B 71-80 % = C 61-70 % = D 51-60 % = E < 50 % = F (failed; not passed) Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)
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Syllabus - Major topics Lecture 01: Course overview Lecture 02: Designing research Instruments Lecture 03: Social desirability Lecture 04: Satisficing Lecture 05: Other response biases Lecture 06: Midterm (April 9, 2026) Lecture 07: Cognitive interviewing Lecture 08: Scale development Lecture 09: Reliability and validity Lecture 10: Unobtrusive data collection methods Lecture 11: Final test (May 14, 2026) Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (19.02.2026)
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This course aims to teach students how to design robust research instruments and construct sound research methods, with an emphasis on creating clear, concise, and effective questionnaires that enhance the credibility and impact of research. Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (02.02.2026)
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