2. QUESTIONNAIRE
A set of predetermined questions that serves as
primary research instrument in survey research.
Used to collect factual information.
Consists of a form containing a series of questions.
3. Characteristics of a good
Questionnaire
Should be concerned with specific and
relevant topic
Should be short
Wordings should be simple and clear.
Embarrassing and threatening questions
should be avoided
Should be present in a good order.
Attractive ,neatly printed and properly
arranged.
4. Functions of a Questionnaire
Description
The questionnaire provides description about age
,gender, marital status , occupation , income ,
education etc.
Measurements
Measurement of individual or group variables like
attitude , opinion , traits and habits of persons.
5. Types of Questionnaires
Based upon types of Responses:
1. Fixed – response questionnaire or close ended
questionnaire
2. Open - ended questionnaire
Based upon method of administering:
1. Mail questionnaire
2. Face to face administered questionnaire
3. Through telephone
4. Through peers
6. Questionnaire as Instruments
Most survey research relies on the use of
questionnaire to measure variables.
To measure Demographic variables.
Accuracy and precision of data depends on
the construction of questionnaires.
7. Demographic Variables
These are the variables used to describe the
characteristics of the respondents being surveyed.
It can include information as income level , gender
, education level , location , race , family size etc.
8. Preferences and Attitudes
Individual preferences and attitudes like brand of
coffee preferred or attitudes about some political
issues.
9. Self Report Scales
Used to measure judgments or attitudes about
variables given on scales.
For example political leaders , taste of coffee
etc
To determine difference among variables.
10. Constructing a Questionnaire
Deciding the information required
The first step is to decide what are the things one
needs to know from the respondents in order to
meet the surveys objective.
Define the Target respondent
The researcher must define the population about
which he/she wishes to collect the sample data.
11. Choosing the methods to reach target respondents
Personal interviews
mailed questionnaires
Telephone interview
group or focus interviews
12. Deciding the questions content
Write a first draft of the questionnaire.
Researcher must always be prepared to ask“is this
question really needed ?
opening questions that are easy to answer.
Wordings of the questionnaire
Simplicity in the language
Avoid Ambiguity
13. Avoid embarrassing questions
Avoid negative questions
Should provide the respondents with the easy
method of indicating his answers.
Length of the Questionnaire
In general it is best for the questionnaire to be as
short as possible.
A long questionnaire leads to boredom.
14. Pre Test the Questionnaire
Test the questionnaire on a small sample of your
subject ,if possible on colleagues or friends.
The main aim is to detect flaws if any and correct
these prior to main survey.