QUESTIONNAIRE

Structured technique for data collection, consisting of a series of questions, that respondent answers. Objectives:
Must translate the information needed into a set of specific questions that respondents can & will answer. Must uplift, motivate & encourage respondents to become involved in the interview. Should minimize response and non-response error.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCESS

Specify the information needed. Type of interviewing method. Individual questions content. Overcoming inability to answer. Overcoming unwillingness to answer. Choosing question structure. Choosing question wording. Determining the order of questions. Form & layout. Reproduce the questionnaire. Pretest the questionnaire.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCESS

Specify the information needed:
Related to research questions & research design. Ensure the information obtained fully addresses all components of the problem. Clear idea of target population.

Type of interviewing method:

Personal Interview: Lengthy, complex & varied questions. Telephone Interview: Short & simple. Mail questionnaire: simple with detailed instructions.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCESS

Individual Question Content:
Is the question necessary. Are several questions needed instead of one to obtain the required information in an unambiguous manner. Do not use double barreled questions.

Overcoming inability to answer:

Is respondent informed: If not then use Filter questions (to measure familiarity) before the actual questions on the topic . Can respondent remember. Can respondent articulate.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCESS

Overcoming unwillingness to answer:
Minimize the efforts required of the respondents. Is the Context in which the questions are asked appropriate. Make the request for the information seems Legitimate. Sensitive information: Place sensitive topics in the end, use third person technique, provide response category instead of exact figure, hide the question in a group of questions .

Choosing questionnaire structure:

Unstructured questions: In exploratory research or as opening questions. . Use Structured questions Multiple choice questions. Dichotomous questions.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCESS

Choosing question wording:
Define the issue in term of 6 Ws. Use ordinary & unambiguous words. Avoid leading or biasing questions. Avoid implicit alternatives. Avoid implicit assumptions. Avoid generalization & estimates. Use dual statements: Positive & Negative.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCESS

Determining the order of questions:
Opening questions: to gain the confidence & cooperation of respondents. Informative questions: socioeconomic & demographic characteristics, identification information. Difficult questions. Logical order: general questions then specific questions and then branching questions.