questionnaires

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

all data collection techniques in which each person is asked to respond to the same set of questions in a predetermined order

Question 2

When to use:

Answer 2

• Questions are standardised and elicit standardised interpretation
• Descriptive or explanatory research

Question 3

Types of questionnaires:

Answer 3

Self-completed:
•	Internet
•	Postal
•	Delivery
Interviewer-collected:
•	Telephone
•	Face to face

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages (exam)

Answer 4

Advantages:
•	Low cost
•	Quick data collection
•	Easy to schedule
•	Analysis and coding easy
•	Anonymous
•	Neutral
Disadvantages:
•	Response rate
•	Literacy needed
•	Can’t ask questions
•	Can’t judge honesty

Question 5

Things to avoid when designing questions

Answer 5

• Prejudicial language
• No leading questions
• Avoid assumptions
• Avoid hypothetical questions

Question 6

Stages that must occur for questions to be valid and reliable:

Answer 6

1. Researcher clear about data requirements and designs the question
2. Respondent decodes question as intended by researcher
3. Respondent answers question
4. Researcher decodes answer in way respondent intended

Question 7

Types of questions:

Answer 7

• Develop own or adopt others’
• Short and clear
• Take care if international
• Use combo open and closed ended questions
• Open ended (leave space, use word limit), want detailed, keep minimum
• Closed questions:
 List (perhaps more than 1 choice)
 Category (choose 1 from mutually exclusive categories)
 Rank (7 or less)
 Scale (agree, strongly disagree etc.)
 Quantity (year of birth) (leave block for each digit)
 Matrix (same as scale but in matrix format)
• Use appropriate mix of open and close (follow up closed with open to invite comments)

Question 8

Design considerations:

Answer 8

•	Make sure questionnaire has logical flow
•	Make use of response categories
•	Pay attention to layout 
•	Include instructions
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