Questionnaire Checklist: Positive

Characteristics

• Clarity: Can the question be interpreted in more than

one way?
• Brevity: Can the question be shortened and still
retain its meaning?
• Simplicity: Is the vocabulary at a simple level (such
that of a newspaper) which is appropriate to the
study sample?
• Applicability: Can the respondents in the study
sample be reasonably expected to answer
accurately?
 Questionnaire Checklist:
Negative Characteristics
1. Double barreled questions: Does the question ask two questions in one? Does it
make a statement with which the respondent may not agree, and then ask a
question on the basis of that statement? Does the question have a hidden
premise?
2. Double-negative questions: Does the question include words such as don’t or
not?
3. Leading questions: Is the question asked in such a way that the respondent
knows a particular response is desired?
4. Sensitive questions: Is the question asked in such a way that the respondent
may become embarrassed, angry, or emotionally upset?
5. Jargon-filled questions: Does the question use professional, technical, or slang
terms with which the respondents are not familiar?
6. Complex questions: Does the question use long phrases and complex
sentences?
7. Questions that bias: Does the question contain information that would
encourage the respondents to view one answer as more likely “right”? Does the
question contain emotionally loaded words?
8. Inappropriate questions: Does the question assume prior knowledge
inappropriate to the sample?
 Advantages of Interview
1. Data are usable. Technique
2. Misunderstandings can be minimized when questions
are explained by the researcher.
3. Some topics can be pursued in depth.
4. No items are omitted, accidentally or purposely.
5. A higher percentage of response is possible.
6. Greater flexibility is provided in the interview than in the
questionnaire.
7. It is useful for developing a questionnaire.
8. The subject need not be literate.
9. Verbal and nonverbal cues can be noted.
10. There is more opportunity to appraise the validity of the
report.