The same set of considerations will be taken into account when attempting to make sense of mean scores and variance scores for this second question. The absolute value associated with each of the mean scores must be considered and we will do so when discussing the results from this second question. It is also important for us to compare the mean and variance scores, given the same potential response set distortions in data derived from responses to this second question. Given these response set concerns, we offer the following ranking of mean scores (from high to low) for this second question from our Survey One respondents:
Question Two. When in difficulty, how often do you …
a. Try to see the problem from a different perspective(mean = 3.92)
i. Review privately with yourself how the problem has arisen(mean = 3.70)
k. See whether you and your client can deal together with the difficulty(mean = 3.31)
c. Discuss the problem with a more experienced colleague(mean = 3.30)
m. Modify your stance or approach with a client(mean = 3.28)
j. Just give yourself permission to experience difficult or disturbing feelings(mean = 3.28)
b. Share your experience of the difficulty with a client(mean = 2.88)
d. Consult relevant articles or books(mean = 2.70
e. Involve another professional or organization in the case(mean = 1.77)
q. Refer the client to some other noncoaching professional(mean = 1.62)
p. Explore the possibility of referring the client to another coach(mean = 1.56)
f. Make changes in your coaching contract with a client(mean = 1.55)l. Sign up for a conference or workshop that might bear on the problem(mean = 1.43)
h. Seriously consider terminating coaching(mean = 1.12)
n. Avoid dealing with the problem for the present(mean = 0.97)
g. Simply hope that things will improve eventually(mean = 0.90)
o. Show your frustration to the client(mean = 0.82)
Rey Carr
December 17, 2015 at 4:00 pm
The best part of this report of the results of these two surveys is the discussion of the concepts. Such discussion is valuable regardless of the reliability or validity of the results (or evidence).
Unfortunately, the methodology section is missing the most important aspect of methodology: how were each of the surveys distributed and what was the rate of return. If, as I suspect, this was an Internet-based survey, then the results have an exceptionally low chance of being either reliable or valid. That is, the likelihood that they reflect the “coaching industry” or “a typical coach” is incredibly small. Thus, conclusions based on the results are suspect.
But there’s the point. The discussion itself has its own reliability and validity independent of the survey. The points made are worthy of continuing discussion regardless of the surveys.