Preparing questionnaire

Preparing QuestionnairePreparing Questionnaire
SYED MD. SAJJAD KABIRSYED MD. SAJJAD KABIR UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONGUNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG

 Questionnaire in Research MethodologyQuestionnaire in Research Methodology
●● Definition ● Significance ● ScopeDefinition ● Significance ● Scope
 Questionnaire and ScheduleQuestionnaire and Schedule
●● Similarities ● DifferencesSimilarities ● Differences
 Qualities of a Good QuestionnaireQualities of a Good Questionnaire
 Types of QuestionsTypes of Questions
 Preparing and Administering QuestionnairePreparing and Administering Questionnaire
 How to Develop a Questionnaire forHow to Develop a Questionnaire for
Research?Research?
 Questionnaire Wording.Questionnaire Wording.
Topics Covered
SMS Kabir, University of ChittagongSMS Kabir, University of Chittagong
SYED MD. SAJJAD KABIRSYED MD. SAJJAD KABIR UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONGUNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG

Questionnaire in Research MethodologyQuestionnaire in Research Methodology
 It can be a useful tool forIt can be a useful tool for
gathering information.gathering information.
 It can be used for surveyIt can be used for survey
research, gathering data orresearch, gathering data or
testing a hypothesis.testing a hypothesis.
 For a questionnaire to beFor a questionnaire to be
effective, it will need to design aeffective, it will need to design a
survey that is easy to understandsurvey that is easy to understand
and easy to complete.and easy to complete.
 It can be a useful tool forIt can be a useful tool for
gathering information.gathering information.
 It can be used for surveyIt can be used for survey
research, gathering data orresearch, gathering data or
testing a hypothesis.testing a hypothesis.
 For a questionnaire to beFor a questionnaire to be
effective, it will need to design aeffective, it will need to design a
survey that is easy to understandsurvey that is easy to understand
and easy to complete.and easy to complete.Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
Guidelines for Research: An IntroductoryGuidelines for Research: An Introductory
Approach for All Disciplines. Book ZoneApproach for All Disciplines. Book Zone
Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,
3

Definition of QuestionnaireDefinition of Questionnaire
 A questionnaire is a systematic compilation ofA questionnaire is a systematic compilation of
questions that are submitted to a sampling ofquestions that are submitted to a sampling of
population from which information is desired.population from which information is desired.
 In educational researches, the questionnaireIn educational researches, the questionnaire
consists of a sense of questions or statements toconsists of a sense of questions or statements to
which individuals are asked to respond thewhich individuals are asked to respond the
questions frequently asked for facts or thequestions frequently asked for facts or the
opinions, attitudes or preferences of theopinions, attitudes or preferences of the
respondents.respondents.
 Its purpose is to collect information from theIts purpose is to collect information from the
respondents who are scattered over a vast area.respondents who are scattered over a vast area.
Definition of QuestionnaireDefinition of Questionnaire
 A questionnaire is a systematic compilation ofA questionnaire is a systematic compilation of
questions that are submitted to a sampling ofquestions that are submitted to a sampling of
population from which information is desired.population from which information is desired.
 In educational researches, the questionnaireIn educational researches, the questionnaire
consists of a sense of questions or statements toconsists of a sense of questions or statements to
which individuals are asked to respond thewhich individuals are asked to respond the
questions frequently asked for facts or thequestions frequently asked for facts or the
opinions, attitudes or preferences of theopinions, attitudes or preferences of the
 Its purpose is to collect information from theIts purpose is to collect information from the
respondents who are scattered over a vast area.respondents who are scattered over a vast area.Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
4

Significance of QuestionnaireSignificance of Questionnaire
• Beginners are more commonly tempted to this tool becauseBeginners are more commonly tempted to this tool because
it is easier than the use of other tools.it is easier than the use of other tools.
• It is also considered the most flexible of tools andIt is also considered the most flexible of tools and
possesses a unique advantage over others in collecting bothpossesses a unique advantage over others in collecting both
qualitative and quantitative information.qualitative and quantitative information.
• Preparation of a good questionnaire takes a great deal ofPreparation of a good questionnaire takes a great deal of
time, ingenuity and hard work.time, ingenuity and hard work.

Scope of QuestionnaireScope of Questionnaire
• In descriptive studies where the sources are varied andIn descriptive studies where the sources are varied and
widely scattered, it is a major instrument for gatheringwidely scattered, it is a major instrument for gathering
data.data.
• It is very handy in cases.It is very handy in cases.
• It can be used over extensive range of territory-nationalIt can be used over extensive range of territory-national
and international.and international.
Significance of QuestionnaireSignificance of Questionnaire
• Beginners are more commonly tempted to this tool becauseBeginners are more commonly tempted to this tool because
it is easier than the use of other tools.it is easier than the use of other tools.
• It is also considered the most flexible of tools andIt is also considered the most flexible of tools and
possesses a unique advantage over others in collecting bothpossesses a unique advantage over others in collecting both
qualitative and quantitative information.qualitative and quantitative information.
• Preparation of a good questionnaire takes a great deal ofPreparation of a good questionnaire takes a great deal of
time, ingenuity and hard work.time, ingenuity and hard work.

Scope of QuestionnaireScope of Questionnaire
• In descriptive studies where the sources are varied andIn descriptive studies where the sources are varied and
widely scattered, it is a major instrument for gatheringwidely scattered, it is a major instrument for gathering
data.data.
• It is very handy in cases.It is very handy in cases.
• It can be used over extensive range of territory-nationalIt can be used over extensive range of territory-national
and international.and international.Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
5

Questionnaire and ScheduleQuestionnaire and Schedule
Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
ScheduleSchedule QuestionnaireQuestionnaire
• It is the list of upcomingIt is the list of upcoming
events or actions.events or actions.
• A questionnaire is the list ofA questionnaire is the list of
questions handed out toquestions handed out to
people needing answers.people needing answers.
• It is the direct method forIt is the direct method for
information collection.information collection.
• It is a type of non-contactIt is a type of non-contact
method for informationmethod for information
collection.collection.
• There is a person to personThere is a person to person
formal relationship.formal relationship.
• There is no person to personThere is no person to person
formal relationship.formal relationship.
• This method can beThis method can be
implemented on bothimplemented on both
literate as well as illiterateliterate as well as illiterate
class people.class people.
• This method can beThis method can be
implemented only on literateimplemented only on literate
class people.class people.
• This method is expensiveThis method is expensive • This method is comparativelyThis method is comparatively6

Questionnaire and ScheduleQuestionnaire and Schedule
ScheduleSchedule QuestionnaireQuestionnaire
• Interviewer is biased orInterviewer is biased or
known in advance.known in advance.
• Interviewer is not known inInterviewer is not known in
advance.advance.
• Embarrassing questions canEmbarrassing questions can
be used.be used.
• Embarrassing questionsEmbarrassing questions
cannot be used.cannot be used.
• The coverage area forThe coverage area for
collecting information iscollecting information is
small.small.
• Coverage area for collectingCoverage area for collecting
information is large.information is large.
• Any kind of doubt can beAny kind of doubt can be
cleared on the spot.cleared on the spot.
• Any kind of doubt can beAny kind of doubt can be
created and it is difficult tocreated and it is difficult to
resolve.resolve.
• Non response is usually veryNon response is usually very
low.low.
• Non response is usually veryNon response is usually very
high.high.
• •
7

Qualities of a Good QuestionnaireQualities of a Good Questionnaire
Questionnaires should be printed on good papers and printing errorsQuestionnaires should be printed on good papers and printing errors
should be avoided. Of a good questionnaire it is expected that –should be avoided. Of a good questionnaire it is expected that –
 Language of the question should be concise.Language of the question should be concise.
 Language should be clear & straightforward and longLanguage should be clear & straightforward and long
sentences should be avoided.sentences should be avoided.
 Phrases and expressions which are understood by only fewPhrases and expressions which are understood by only few
persons and are not in common use should be avoided.persons and are not in common use should be avoided.
 If it is being mailed to a group of persons who are notIf it is being mailed to a group of persons who are not
experts in terminology then technical words and jargonsexperts in terminology then technical words and jargons
should be avoided.should be avoided.
 Wording of the questions should not make it easier to sayWording of the questions should not make it easier to say
yes or no or vice-versa.yes or no or vice-versa.
 When the information sought relates to definite timeWhen the information sought relates to definite time
period, the specific period should be stated in theperiod, the specific period should be stated in the
questionnaire.questionnaire.
8

 Questions themselves should be precise and long questionsQuestions themselves should be precise and long questions
should be avoided.should be avoided.
 No single question should deal with more than one issue.No single question should deal with more than one issue.
 Vocabulary employed in the questions should be appropriateVocabulary employed in the questions should be appropriate
to the background of the respondents i.e., technicalto the background of the respondents i.e., technical
language should be used when the respondents havelanguage should be used when the respondents have
technical background.technical background.
 Questions should be so sequenced that the respondent isQuestions should be so sequenced that the respondent is
motivated and answers all questions.motivated and answers all questions.
 Non-sensitive and easily answerable questions should beNon-sensitive and easily answerable questions should be
kept in the beginning whereas difficult and sensitivekept in the beginning whereas difficult and sensitive
questions should be kept at the bottom.questions should be kept at the bottom.
 Questions should be so worded that ego of theQuestions should be so worded that ego of the
respondents is not injured in any way.respondents is not injured in any way.
9

 Questions should be analytical i.e., these shouldQuestions should be analytical i.e., these should
specifically deal with the problem about which study isspecifically deal with the problem about which study is
being made.being made.
 Add few questions for the accuracy and consistency of theAdd few questions for the accuracy and consistency of the
answers being given.answers being given.
 Questions on controversial issues should be broken downQuestions on controversial issues should be broken down
into components.into components.

 Questions should be asked about which the people haveQuestions should be asked about which the people have
sufficient information.sufficient information.

 While deciding about the length of the questions andWhile deciding about the length of the questions and
statements, respondent’s comprehension should be takenstatements, respondent’s comprehension should be taken
into account. If the question is too long it should be splitinto account. If the question is too long it should be split
up in the best possible manner. up in the best possible manner.
10

Types of QuestionnaireTypes of Questionnaire
Types of a questionnaire will depend on whether the researcherTypes of a questionnaire will depend on whether the researcher
wishes to collect exploratory information or quantitative information.wishes to collect exploratory information or quantitative information.
 Exploratory Questionnaires:Exploratory Questionnaires: If the data to beIf the data to be
collected is qualitative or is not to becollected is qualitative or is not to be
statistically evaluated, it may be that nostatistically evaluated, it may be that no
formal questionnaire is needed.formal questionnaire is needed.
 Formal Standardized Questionnaires:Formal Standardized Questionnaires: If theIf the
researcher is looking to test and quantifyresearcher is looking to test and quantify
hypotheses and the data is to be analyzedhypotheses and the data is to be analyzed
statistically, a formal standardizedstatistically, a formal standardized
questionnaire is designed.questionnaire is designed.
11

In basis of questionnaire formats, there are two typesIn basis of questionnaire formats, there are two types
of questionnaires, open-ended and closed-ended.of questionnaires, open-ended and closed-ended.
Open Format QuestionsOpen Format Questions
• Open format questions or open-ended questions giveOpen format questions or open-ended questions give
audience an opportunity to express opinions in a free-audience an opportunity to express opinions in a free-
flowing manner.flowing manner.
• These questions don’t have predetermined set of responsesThese questions don’t have predetermined set of responses
and the respondent is free to answer whatever he/she feelsand the respondent is free to answer whatever he/she feels
right.right.
• By including open format questions in questionnaire can getBy including open format questions in questionnaire can get
true, insightful and even unexpected suggestions.true, insightful and even unexpected suggestions.
Qualitative questions fall under this category.Qualitative questions fall under this category.
• An ideal questionnaire would include an open-ended questionAn ideal questionnaire would include an open-ended question
at the end of the questionnaire that seeks feedback and/orat the end of the questionnaire that seeks feedback and/or
suggestions for improvements from respondents.suggestions for improvements from respondents.
12

TypesofQuestionnaireTypesofQuestionnaire
Different types of open question are-Different types of open question are-
A.A. Leading or ‘Loaded’ Questions:Leading or ‘Loaded’ Questions: Usually subtly, pointsUsually subtly, points
the respondent’s answer in a certain direction.the respondent’s answer in a certain direction.
B.B. Recall and Process Questions:Recall and Process Questions: Questions can also beQuestions can also be
categorized by whether they are ‘recall’ – requiringcategorized by whether they are ‘recall’ – requiring
something to be remembered or recalled, or ‘process’ –something to be remembered or recalled, or ‘process’ –
requiring some deeper thought and/or analysis.requiring some deeper thought and/or analysis.
C.C. Rhetorical Questions:Rhetorical Questions: Rhetorical questions are oftenRhetorical questions are often
humorous and don’t require an answer. These types ofhumorous and don’t require an answer. These types of
questions are often used by speakers in presentations toquestions are often used by speakers in presentations to
get the audience to think.get the audience to think.
D.D. Funneling:Funneling: Clever questioning to essentially funnel theClever questioning to essentially funnel the
respondent’s answers – that is ask a series of questionsrespondent’s answers – that is ask a series of questions
that become more (or less) restrictive at each step,that become more (or less) restrictive at each step,
starting with open questions and ending with closedstarting with open questions and ending with closed
questions or vice-versa.questions or vice-versa.
13

E.E. Responses:Responses: As there are a myriad of questions andAs there are a myriad of questions and
question types so there must also be a myriad ofquestion types so there must also be a myriad of
possible responses. Main and most important onespossible responses. Main and most important ones
are-are-
 A direct and honest responseA direct and honest response
 A lieA lie
 Out of contextOut of context
 Partially AnsweringPartially Answering
 Avoiding the answerAvoiding the answer
 StallingStalling
 DistortionDistortion
 Refusal.Refusal.
14

Closed Format QuestionsClosed Format Questions
• Closed questions invite a short focused answer-Closed questions invite a short focused answer-
answers to closed questions can often (but notanswers to closed questions can often (but not
always) be either ‘right’ or ‘wrong’; ‘Yes’ or ‘No’always) be either ‘right’ or ‘wrong’; ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
answer. answer.
• Closed questions are usually easy to answer - asClosed questions are usually easy to answer - as
the choice of answer is limited.the choice of answer is limited.
• Closed questions can require that a choice is madeClosed questions can require that a choice is made
from a list of possible options.from a list of possible options.
• Closed questions can be asked to identify aClosed questions can be asked to identify a
certaincertain
piece of information, again with a limited set ofpiece of information, again with a limited set of
answers.answers.
15

Closed Format QuestionsClosed Format Questions
7 types closed-ended questions can be a part of questionnaire design-7 types closed-ended questions can be a part of questionnaire design-
A. Leading Questions:A. Leading Questions: Its force audience for a particular typeIts force audience for a particular type
of answer.of answer.
B. Importance Questions:B. Importance Questions: Respondents are usually asked to rateRespondents are usually asked to rate
the importance of a particular issue on a rating scale of 1the importance of a particular issue on a rating scale of 1
toto
5.5.
C. Likert Questions:C. Likert Questions: It can help ascertain how stronglyIt can help ascertain how strongly
respondents agree to a particular statement.respondents agree to a particular statement.
D. Dichotomous Questions:D. Dichotomous Questions: Ask respondents to answer in a yesAsk respondents to answer in a yes
or no.or no.
E. Bipolar Questions:E. Bipolar Questions: Having two extreme answers written atHaving two extreme answers written at
the opposite ends of the scale. Respondents are asked tothe opposite ends of the scale. Respondents are asked to
mark their responses between those twomark their responses between those two.
F. Rating Scale Questions: Respondents are asked to rate a
particular issue on a scale that ranges between poor to good.
G. Buying Propensity Questions: Try to assess the future
intentions of customers and determine respondent’s buying
intention. 16

Other types of Questionnaire used by researchers are -Other types of Questionnaire used by researchers are -
 Structured questionnaire:Structured questionnaire: It include definite,It include definite,
concrete and pre-obtained questions which wereconcrete and pre-obtained questions which were
prepared in advance.prepared in advance.
 Unstructured questionnaire:Unstructured questionnaire: Designed toDesigned to
obtained view points, opinions, attitudes and to showobtained view points, opinions, attitudes and to show
relationships and inter-connections between data whichrelationships and inter-connections between data which
might escape notice under more mechanical types ofmight escape notice under more mechanical types of
interrogations. Used in studies related to the group ofinterrogations. Used in studies related to the group of
families or those relating to the personal experiences,families or those relating to the personal experiences,
beliefs etc.beliefs etc.

 Pictorial questionnaire:Pictorial questionnaire: It is used to promoteIt is used to promote
interest in answering after seeing the pictures on ainterest in answering after seeing the pictures on a
particular theme. Used in studies related to the socialparticular theme. Used in studies related to the social
attitudes and the prejudices in the children.attitudes and the prejudices in the children.
17

 Socratic Questions:Socratic Questions: A number of homework problemsA number of homework problems
have been included that are designed to enhance criticalhave been included that are designed to enhance critical
thinking skills. Critical thinking is the process we use tothinking skills. Critical thinking is the process we use to
reflect on, access and judge the assumptions underlying ourreflect on, access and judge the assumptions underlying our
own and others ideas and actions. Socratic questioning is atown and others ideas and actions. Socratic questioning is at
the heart of critical thinking and a number of homeworkthe heart of critical thinking and a number of homework
problems draw from R.W. Paul’s six types of Socraticproblems draw from R.W. Paul’s six types of Socratic
questions-questions- QuestionsQuestions
1.1. For clarificationFor clarification
2. That probe assumptions2. That probe assumptions
3. That probe reasons and evidence3. That probe reasons and evidence
4. About viewpoints and perspectives4. About viewpoints and perspectives
5. That probe implications and consequences5. That probe implications and consequences
6. About the question.6. About the question.
18

Take care to avoid following type of questions when preparing aTake care to avoid following type of questions when preparing a
questionnaire-questionnaire-
1.1. Embarrassing Questions:Embarrassing Questions: Questions that ask respondentsQuestions that ask respondents
details about their personal and private matters. Respondentsdetails about their personal and private matters. Respondents
might feel uncomfortable to answer such questions and mightmight feel uncomfortable to answer such questions and might
refuse to answer questionnaire.refuse to answer questionnaire.

2.2. Positive/ Negative Connotation Questions:Positive/ Negative Connotation Questions: Most verbs,Most verbs,
adjectives and nouns in English language have either a positiveadjectives and nouns in English language have either a positive
or negative connotations. While defining a question, strongor negative connotations. While defining a question, strong
negative or positive overtones must be avoided. You will getnegative or positive overtones must be avoided. You will get
different data depending on the positive or negativedifferent data depending on the positive or negative
connotation of your question. Ideal questions should haveconnotation of your question. Ideal questions should have
neutral or subtle overtones.neutral or subtle overtones.

3.3. Hypothetical Questions:Hypothetical Questions: Questions are based onQuestions are based on
speculation and fantasy. Force respondents to give their ideasspeculation and fantasy. Force respondents to give their ideas
on a particular subject, and generally the data collectedon a particular subject, and generally the data collected
through such questions are inconsistent and unclear.through such questions are inconsistent and unclear.
19

Preparing and Administering QuestionnairePreparing and Administering Questionnaire
Main modes of questionnaire administration are-Main modes of questionnaire administration are-
 Face-to-face questionnaire administration –Face-to-face questionnaire administration –
interviewer presents the items orally.interviewer presents the items orally.
 Paper-and-pencil questionnaire administration –Paper-and-pencil questionnaire administration –
items are presented on paper.items are presented on paper.
 Computerized questionnaire administration –Computerized questionnaire administration –
items are presented on the computer.items are presented on the computer.
 Adaptive computerized questionnaire administration –Adaptive computerized questionnaire administration –
a selection of items is presented on the computer,a selection of items is presented on the computer,
and based on the answers on those items, theand based on the answers on those items, the
computer selects following items optimized for thecomputer selects following items optimized for the
testee’s estimated ability or trait.testee’s estimated ability or trait.
20

Preparing and Administering QuestionnairePreparing and Administering Questionnaire
Consider the ways when prepare and administer questionnaire -Consider the ways when prepare and administer questionnaire -
 Get all the possible help while planning and constructingGet all the possible help while planning and constructing
questionnaire.questionnaire.
 Try out questionnaire on a few friends, may find that aTry out questionnaire on a few friends, may find that a
number of items are ambiguous.number of items are ambiguous.
 Choose respondents carefully.Choose respondents carefully.
 If schedules or questionnaires are planned for use inIf schedules or questionnaires are planned for use in
public need to be approval.public need to be approval.
 If the desired information is delicate or intimate inIf the desired information is delicate or intimate in
nature consider the possibility of proving for anonymousnature consider the possibility of proving for anonymous
responses.responses.
 Try to get the aid of sponsorship.Try to get the aid of sponsorship.
 Be sure to include a courteous, carefully constructedBe sure to include a courteous, carefully constructed
cover letter to explain the purpose of the study.cover letter to explain the purpose of the study.
 To increase the number of returns a vigorous follow upTo increase the number of returns a vigorous follow up
procedure may be necessary.procedure may be necessary.
21

How to Develop a Questionnaire for Research?How to Develop a Questionnaire for Research?
Nine steps involved in the development of a questionnaire-Nine steps involved in the development of a questionnaire-
1.1. Decide the information required.Decide the information required.
2.2. Define the target respondents.Define the target respondents.
3.3. Choose the method(s) of reaching your targetChoose the method(s) of reaching your target
4.4. Decide on question content.Decide on question content.
5.5. Develop the question wording.Develop the question wording.
6.6. Put questions into a meaningful order and format.Put questions into a meaningful order and format.
• Closing questionsClosing questions
• Question flowQuestion flow
• Question varietyQuestion variety
• Opening questionsOpening questions
7.7. Check the length of the questionnaire.Check the length of the questionnaire.
8.8. Pre-test the questionnaire.Pre-test the questionnaire.
9.9. Develop the final survey form.Develop the final survey form.
22

How to Develop a Questionnaire for Research?How to Develop a Questionnaire for Research?
Some tips to follow when you want to know how toSome tips to follow when you want to know how to
develop a questionnaire for research are-develop a questionnaire for research are-
 Figure out what information you are trying to gatherFigure out what information you are trying to gather
from this survey.from this survey.
 Write an introduction for your questionnaire.Write an introduction for your questionnaire.
 Use closed questions for questionnaires.Use closed questions for questionnaires.
 Order your questions in a way that is meaningful andOrder your questions in a way that is meaningful and
easy to follow.easy to follow.
 Put the more important questions at the beginning ofPut the more important questions at the beginning of
your questionnaire.your questionnaire.
 Add a little variety to your questions.Add a little variety to your questions.
 Decide what methods you will use to reach yourDecide what methods you will use to reach your
target audience.target audience.
23

HowtoWriteaQuestionnaireHowtoWriteaQuestionnaire
General ConsiderationsGeneral Considerations
 Keep the questionnaire as shortKeep the questionnaire as short
as possibleas possible
 Target the questionnaireTarget the questionnaire
carefullycarefully
 Consider the question ofConsider the question of
anonymityanonymity
 Maybe offer something in returnMaybe offer something in return
 Use follow-up reminders.Use follow-up reminders.
24

Types of QuestionsTypes of Questions
 Keep your language simpleKeep your language simple
 Don’t make it too formal orDon’t make it too formal or
informalinformal
 Start with interesting questionsStart with interesting questions
 Avoid leading questionsAvoid leading questions
 Limit or avoid the use of open-Limit or avoid the use of open-
ended questionsended questions
 Use simple rating scales or lists ofUse simple rating scales or lists of
choiceschoices
 Put your questions in logical order.Put your questions in logical order.25

Administering the QuestionnaireAdministering the Questionnaire
 Trial the questionnaire as much asTrial the questionnaire as much as
possiblepossible
 Clearly introduce the questionnaireClearly introduce the questionnaire
Always include a short introduction which makes clear -Always include a short introduction which makes clear -
- purpose of the questionnairepurpose of the questionnaire
- why it is important for you (and why- why it is important for you (and why
it could be useful for the respondent)it could be useful for the respondent)
- how long it should take to complete- how long it should take to complete
- what will happen to the results- what will happen to the results
- complete contact details- complete contact details
- final date for reply.- final date for reply. 26

Questionnaire WordingQuestionnaire Wording
 Question wording can produce more than a 25 percentQuestion wording can produce more than a 25 percent
difference in people’s opinions.difference in people’s opinions.
 Words likeWords like usuallyusually,, oftenoften,, sometimessometimes,, occasionallyoccasionally,,
seldomseldom, and, and rarelyrarely are “commonly” used in questionnaires,are “commonly” used in questionnaires,
they do not mean the same thing to all people.they do not mean the same thing to all people.
 A clear mandate, most, numerous, a substantialA clear mandate, most, numerous, a substantial
majority, a minority of, a large proportion of, amajority, a minority of, a large proportion of, a
significant numbersignificant number of, many, a considerable number ofof, many, a considerable number of,,
andand severalseveral have highly variable meanings and should behave highly variable meanings and should be
avoided in surveys.avoided in surveys.
 Lots, almost all, virtually all, nearly all, a majority of, aLots, almost all, virtually all, nearly all, a majority of, a
consensus of, a small number of, not very many of,consensus of, a small number of, not very many of,
almost none, hardly any, a couple,almost none, hardly any, a couple, andand a fewa few produceproduce
less variability and generally have more shared meaning.less variability and generally have more shared meaning.
27

QuestionnaireWordingQuestionnaireWording
Common Wording Problems When Writing QuestionnairesCommon Wording Problems When Writing Questionnaires
 Ensure the question fits the information needs ofEnsure the question fits the information needs of
the surveythe survey
 Ensure the question is specificEnsure the question is specific
 Keep wording short and simpleKeep wording short and simple
 Use terms consistently throughout theUse terms consistently throughout the
questionnairequestionnaire
 Provide reference periodsProvide reference periods
 Make sure questions are inclusive of allMake sure questions are inclusive of all
respondentsrespondents
 Ensure examples (where necessary) are usedEnsure examples (where necessary) are used
appropriatelyappropriately
 Avoid double-barreled questionsAvoid double-barreled questions
 Avoid leading and loaded questionsAvoid leading and loaded questions
 Define abbreviations and acronymsDefine abbreviations and acronyms
 Avoid questions which contain negatives.Avoid questions which contain negatives.
28

QuestionsQuestions
AnswersAnswersReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
29

Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
Guidelines for Research: An Introductory
Approach for All Disciplines. Book Zone
Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,
Chittagong-4203, Bangladesh.
30

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