If you are conducting a quantitative survey study for your dissertation, you will need to identify instruments that measure the variables you are studying. It is worth noting that not all quantitative variables require special instruments. Many demographic variables, such as age, can be measured by asking participants directly (e.g., “What is your age in years?”). However, your study may also involve less concrete variables or constructs (such as “stress” or “job satisfaction”) that need to be operationalized with a valid instrument. Below are some points to consider as you search for quantitative instruments to use for your study.
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First, and perhaps most importantly, the instruments you choose need to be tested and validated by previous researchers. For many schools, this is a strict requirement. In other words, your reviewers will not allow you to use instruments unless they have been previously validated. In some special cases, namely when instruments that measure your variable(s) do not already exist, you may have no choice but to develop an instrument yourself. However, developing and validating your own instrument is a very involved process. In fact, the development and validation of a new instrument could be a dissertation in and of itself! Creating your own instrument should generally be considered as a last resort if absolutely no other options exist.
Second, you should search for instruments from scholarly, peer-reviewed sources. This means searching for peer-reviewed journal articles (either through your school library’s databases or Google Scholar) on your variables of interest. Look for articles on the variables that you are studying to see what instruments past researchers have used. You will usually find this information in the method section of the article (specifically under “instrumentation” or “materials”). You should use simple Google searches with caution, as these may lead you to things such as informal online personality tests; these are not acceptable instruments to use in scholarly research.
Finally, make sure you can identify the original source of your instrument. You may find a study that has used a particular instrument, but that does not necessarily mean that the authors of that study created that instrument. There will be a citation and reference in the article for the original instrument. The original source article will most often contain all of the information that you need to report about the validity and reliability of the instrument. The original article should also contain the information you need to obtain permission to use the instrument for your study.
Definition of an appendix
The appendix of a paper consists of supporting information for the research that is not necessary to include in the text. This section provides further insight into the topic of research but happens to be too complex or too broad to add to the body of the paper. A paper can have more than one appendix, as it is recommended to divide them according to topic.
What type of information includes an appendix?
As stated before, an appendix is information that further illustrates the research topic. Therefore, this information can take many types of forms. Here are some examples:
Surveys. Since many researchers base their methodology on surveys, these are commonly found attached as appendices. Surveys must be included exactly as they were presented to the respondents, and exactly how they were answered so the reader can get a real picture of the findings.
Interviews. Whether it’s a transcript or a recording, interviews are usually included as an appendix. The list of questions and the real answers must be presented for complete transparency.
Correspondence. All types of communication with collaborators regarding the research should be included as an appendix. These can be emails, text messages, letters, transcripts of audio messages, etc.
Research tools. Any instrument used to perform the research should be acknowledged in an appendix to give the reader insight into the process. For instance, audio recorders, cameras, special software, etc.
Non-textual items. If the research includes too many graphs, tables, figures, illustrations, photos or charts, these should be added as an appendix.
Statistical data. When raw data is too long, it should be attached to the research as an appendix. Even if only one part of the data was used, the complete data must be given.
Format of an appendix
If you are preparing an appendix, here are some tips to write one. As always, for detailed information consult the guidelines of the citation format in use.
- Appendices should be divided by topic or by set of data.
- Appendices are included in the table of contents.
- The most common heading for an appendix is “Appendix A or 1, centered, in bold, followed by a title describing its content.
- An appendix should be located before or after the list of references.
- Each appendix should start in a new page.
- Each page includes a page number.
- Appendices follow a sequential order, meaning they appear in the order in which they are referred to throughout the paper.
Frequently Asked Questions about appendices in papers
⛱️ Where should I add an appendix to my paper?
An appendix is usually added before or after the list of references.
🎏 How long can an appendix be?There is no specific space limit to an appendix but make sure to consult the guidelines of the citation format you are using.
🎀 What title do I give to an appendix?The most common heading for an appendix is “Appendix A or 1, centered, in bold, followed by a title describing its content.
🎉 Should I include the title of the appendix in the index?Yes, all appendices must be included in the table of contents.
🧸 What type of information is included in an appendix?Appendices feature different types of material, for instance interviews, research tools, surveys, raw statistical data, etc.
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