To enhance a survey's credibility, researchers often rely on which of the following?

Enhancing a survey's credibility significantly relies on establishing clear research objectives. Clear research objectives provide a focused framework for what the survey aims to investigate. This clarity ensures that the questions being asked are relevant, concise, and aligned with the overall goals of the research, which in turn increases the reliability of the data collected. When researchers have defined objectives, they can create questions that directly address those objectives, minimizing irrelevant or ambiguous responses that might cloud the findings.

Moreover, clear objectives help in communicating the purpose of the survey to respondents, fostering transparency. When participants understand why they are being asked certain questions, they are more likely to provide thoughtful, accurate responses, thereby enhancing the overall credibility of the survey results. This level of organization and purpose is critical in social work research, where the context and intent behind gathering data must be evident to all stakeholders involved.