Data Collection Methods
Data Collection Methods III
Questionnaires
A questionnaire is a preformatted written set of questions to which respondents record their answers usually within rather closely defined alternatives. Questionnaires are an efficient data collection mechanism when the researcher knows exactly what is required and how to measure the variables of interest. Questionnaires can be administered personally, mailed to the respondents, or electronically distributed.
Guidelines for Questionnaire Design
Sound questionnaire design principles should focus on three areas. The first relates to the wording of the questions. The second refers to the planning of issues with regard to how the variables will be categorized, scaled, and coded after receipt of the responses. The third pertains to the general appearance of the questionnaire. All three are important issues in questionnaire design because they can minimize bias in research.
The principles of wording refer to such factors as:
1. The appropriateness of the content of the questions.
2. How questions are worded and the level of sophistication of the language used.
3. The type and form of questions asked.
4. The sequence of the questions.
5. The personal data sought from the respondents.
Content and Purpose of the Questions
The nature of the variable tapped – subjective feelings or objective facts – determine what kinds of questions are asked. If the variables tapped are of a subjective nature (e.g., satisfaction, involvement), where respondents’ beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes are to be measured, the questions should tap the dimensions and elements of the concept. Where objective variables, such as age and educational levels are tapped, a single direct question – preferably one that has an ordinal scale set of categories – is appropriate. Subjective variables can take on nominal scale while objective variables can take on ordinal scale measurement.
Language and Wording of the Questionnaire
The
Questionnaires
A questionnaire is a preformatted written set of questions to which respondents record their answers usually within rather closely defined alternatives. Questionnaires are an efficient data collection mechanism when the researcher knows exactly what is required and how to measure the variables of interest. Questionnaires can be administered personally, mailed to the respondents, or electronically distributed.
Guidelines for Questionnaire Design
Sound questionnaire design principles should focus on three areas. The first relates to the wording of the questions. The second refers to the planning of issues with regard to how the variables will be categorized, scaled, and coded after receipt of the responses. The third pertains to the general appearance of the questionnaire. All three are important issues in questionnaire design because they can minimize bias in research.
The principles of wording refer to such factors as:
1. The appropriateness of the content of the questions.
2. How questions are worded and the level of sophistication of the language used.
3. The type and form of questions asked.
4. The sequence of the questions.
5. The personal data sought from the respondents.
Content and Purpose of the Questions
The nature of the variable tapped – subjective feelings or objective facts – determine what kinds of questions are asked. If the variables tapped are of a subjective nature (e.g., satisfaction, involvement), where respondents’ beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes are to be measured, the questions should tap the dimensions and elements of the concept. Where objective variables, such as age and educational levels are tapped, a single direct question – preferably one that has an ordinal scale set of categories – is appropriate. Subjective variables can take on nominal scale while objective variables can take on ordinal scale measurement.
Language and Wording of the Questionnaire
The