This text investigates the methodological principles required to construct valid and reliable questionnaires for the measurement of human attitudes in social and psychological research. The authors, Jon A. Krosnick and Leandre R. Fabrigar, draw upon decades of empirical research in cognitive psychology and survey methodology to establish a rigorous framework for question design. They argue that the cognitive processes of respondents—comprehension, retrieval, judgment, and response—must dictate the structure of survey instruments to minimize measurement error. The book provides a systematic approach to optimizing question wording, response scales, and overall survey architecture to ensure data integrity.

Experts in the field of survey methodology recognize this work as a foundational text for researchers seeking to improve the quality of their data collection instruments. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is balanced by clear, actionable guidelines for practitioners and students alike.