WHAT IS QUESTIONNAIRE AND EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF
QUESTIONNAIRE METHOD
1) INTRODUCTION
Questionnaire is an instrument of data collection. The researchers most
commonly use this method for collecting data. In order to gather data on
a particular research topic, the researcher lists the questions to which
s/he requires answers. The list of questions arranged in some order is
either given personally, or sent / mailed to the target population.
2) MEANING
Questionnaire method is one of the most suitable methods for the
investigation of socio-legal problems. We use different tools of questionnaire
for collecting data from large, diverse, varied and scattered persons from
different places. Questionnaire is a list of questions to be answered by a group
of people, especially to get facts or information about their views. It is used to
obtain knowledge about facts known to the informant.
The Dictionary of Statistical Terms defines the questionnaire as a "group of or
sequence of questions designed to elicit information upon a subject or
sequence of subjects from an information".
Lundberg defines a questionnaire as "a set of stimuli to which literal people
are exposed in order to observe their verbal behaviour under these stimuli".
Wilson Gee describes a questionnaire as "a convenient method of obtaining a
limited amount of information from a large number of persons or from a small
selected group which is widely scattered".
According to Goode and Hatt, a 'questionnaire' is a "device for securing
answers to questions by using a form which the respondent fills in himself".
According to Bogardus, a questionnaire is "a list of questions sent to a number
of persons for their answers and which obtains standardised results that can
be tabulated and treated statistically".
3) QUESTIONARE METHOD
1. Structured Questionnaire
A structured questionnaire is one in which all questions are predetermined
and arranged in a fixed order. Every respondent is asked the same questions
in the same manner. This type of questionnaire is highly systematic and
objective.
It is mainly used when the researcher already has clear objectives and
hypotheses. Since answers are standardized, the data collected can be easily
quantified, compared, and statistically analysed. However, it does not allow
respondents to explain their answers in detail.
Example:
A survey asking 100 people whether they are aware of the Protection of
Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 with options like Yes / No
2. Unstructured Questionnaire
An unstructured questionnaire does not follow a rigid pattern. The questions
are open, flexible, and exploratory in nature. The researcher may modify or
add questions depending on the responses.
This method is useful when the researcher wants to understand attitudes,
opinions, experiences, or social problems in depth, especially where little prior
research exists. However, the data collected is difficult to analyse statistically
and may involve subjectivity.
Example:
Interviewing undertrial prisoners about their experiences in jail without a
fixed set of questions.
3. Open-Ended Questionnaire
In an open-ended questionnaire, respondents are free to answer questions in
their own words. There are no fixed options. This method helps in collecting
rich, qualitative, and detailed information.
It is useful in socio-legal research, law reform studies, and policy analysis.
The main drawback is that responses vary widely, making coding and analysis
time-consuming.
Example:
“What difficulties do victims face while approaching the police for registration
of FIRs?”
4. Closed-Ended Questionnaire
A closed-ended questionnaire provides pre-determined answer choices such
as Yes/No, multiple-choice, or rating scales. Respondents must select one of
the given options.
This type is widely used in empirical legal research because it saves time,
avoids ambiguity, and allows easy tabulation and statistical analysis.
However, it may limit the respondent’s true opinion.
Example:
“Are you satisfied with the functioning of Lok Adalats?”
(a) Very satisfied
(b) Satisfied
(c) Not satisfied
5. Mixed Questionnaire
A mixed questionnaire combines both open-ended and closed-ended
questions. It aims to collect quantitative data as well as qualitative insights.
This is one of the most effective and commonly used methods in legal
research, as it provides numerical data along with reasons and explanations.
It balances depth and uniformity.
Example:
“Are you aware of plea bargaining?” (Yes/No)
If yes, “What are your views on its effectiveness?”
6. Self-Administered Questionnaire
In this method, the questionnaire is filled out by the respondent without any
assistance from the researcher. It may be distributed in printed form, by post,
or online.
It is economical, reduces interviewer bias, and allows respondents to answer
at their convenience. However, misunderstandings may occur if questions are
unclear, and the response rate may be low.
Example:
An online Google Form circulated among law students on awareness of the
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
7. Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire
Here, the researcher personally asks questions and records the responses.
This method is useful when respondents are illiterate, hesitant, or require
clarification.
It ensures completeness and accuracy of data but is time-consuming, costly,
and may involve interviewer bias.
Example:
A field survey conducted by a researcher in rural areas to study access to legal
aid services.
8. Mail / Online Questionnaire
This questionnaire is sent to respondents through email, postal services, or
digital platforms. Respondents fill it out and return it.
It is cost-effective and suitable for covering large geographical areas. However,
it suffers from low response rates and lack of personal interaction.
Example:
Email-based questionnaire sent to advocates regarding the implementation
challenges of BNSS.
9. Pictorial Questionnaire
A pictorial questionnaire uses pictures, symbols, emojis, or visual scales
instead of written questions. It is especially useful for children, illiterate
persons, or respondents from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Though rarely used in legal research, it can be effective in studies related to
public services or legal awareness campaigns.
Example:
Using smiley-face symbols to measure satisfaction with court services.
[Link] questions
When reply to a question is suggested in a particular direction it is known as
leading ,suggestive or directive questions there may be a bias in replay, these
type of questions should be used when there is no other option