Cognitive interviewing in survey research is a methodology researchers use to gain a better understanding of how respondents think when answering specific survey items. Data gathered using the cognitive interview approach help researchers identify and remedy issues with their questionnaires.  This short course is designed to provide participants with fundamentals on how to design, conduct, and analyze cognitive interviews. Participants will have the opportunity to practice specific cognitive interviewing techniques, including think-alouds, probing, and observation. Participants will also learn about revising survey questions based on interpreting cognitive interview results.

Course Goals:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1.       Recognize components of the survey response process

2.       Describe elements of the cognitive interview process and techniques

3.       Understand how to use cognitive interviews across various survey modes

4.       Complete recruitment and facilitate cognitive interview logistics

5.       Design and implement a cognitive interview protocol

6.       Identify ways to improve survey questionnaires and items based on cognitive interview data