ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors discuss various aspects of the research process that have an impact on the potential quality of the data. First, the overall design of the study is considered; this is followed by a discussion of some of the issues to consider when choosing scales and measures; and finally, some guidelines for preparing a questionnaire are presented. Good research depends on the careful planning and execution of the study. There are many excellent books written on the topic of research design to help the reader with this process from a review of the literature to formulation of hypotheses, choice of study design, selection and allocation of participants, recording of observations and collection of data. In choosing appropriate scales there are two characteristics that the reader need to be aware of: reliability and validity. Both of these factors can influence the quality of the data obtain to the reader.
