LECTURE NOTE ON QUESTIONNAIRE
Introduction
A questionnaire is one of the most widely used tools in data collection across health sciences, social
sciences, education, and market research. It enables researchers to gather standardized information
from many respondents within a short time and at low cost.
Definition of Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a structured set of written questions designed to obtain information from
respondents about their knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, experiences, or demographic characteristics.
Other definitions:
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of questions that respondents answer in writing or
electronically.
It is a tool used to collect primary data in a consistent and systematic manner.
3.0 Types of Questionnaires
Questionnaires can be classified in several ways:
3.1 Based on Administration Method
a. Self-Administered Questionnaire
Respondents fill it on their own without the researcher’s assistance.
Can be paper-based or online (Google Forms, SurveyMonkey). Example: Students completing an
anonymous survey on menstrual hygiene practices.
b. Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire
The researcher asks the questions and records the answers.
Used when respondents have low literacy or when the topic is sensitive. Example: Nurses interviewing
elderly patients about medication adherence.
3.2 Based on Question Format
a. Structured Questionnaire
Provides fixed response options.
Produces quantitative data. Example: “How often do you wash your hands before eating?
A. Always B. Sometimes C. Never”
b. Unstructured Questionnaire
Free-response, open-ended questions.
Produces qualitative data. Example: “Describe your experience using antenatal services.”
c. Semi-Structured Questionnaire
A mix of fixed options and open-ended items. Example:
“Which family planning method do you use? (Tick one)
____ What influenced your choice
3.3 Based on Response Format
a. Closed-Ended Questions
Respondents choose from provided options.
Examples:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Yes/No questions
Likert scale (Strongly Agree → Strongly Disagree)
Ranking questions
b. Open-Ended Questions
Respondents write their own answers.
Example: “What challenges do you face in accessing clean water?”
3.4 Based on Time Orientation
Longitudinal (repeated over time)
Cross-sectional (one-time survey)
4.0 Applications of Questionnaires
Questionnaires are used in many fields:
4.1 Health and Nursing
Assessing patient satisfaction
Monitoring treatment compliance
Screening for depression, anxiety (e.g., PHQ-9)
Collecting epidemiological data on diseases
4.2 Education
Evaluating teaching methods
Assessing student learning needs
4.3 Public Health
Community health assessment
Behavioral surveys (HIV/AIDS, malaria practices)
4.4 Market and Social Research
Consumer preferences
Social attitudes and public opinion polls
4.5 Research Projects
Gathering primary data for thesis, dissertations, or academic studies
Steps in Designing a Good Questionnaire
1. Identify the research objectives
2. Define the information needed
3. Draft clear and simple questions
4. Arrange the questions logically
5. Use simple language
6. Pre-test (pilot) the questionnaire
7. Revise and finalize
. Challenges of Using Questionnaires
. Low Response Rate
People may ignore or fail to return the questionnaire.
. Misinterpretation of Questions
Respondents may misunderstand poorly worded questions.
. Inaccurate Responses
Social desirability bias (give “acceptable” answers)
Recall bias (forgetting past events)
. Literacy Barriers
Low-literacy respondents may fail to understand questions.
. Limited Depth
Structured questionnaires do not capture rich, detailed information.
. Incomplete or Missing Answers
Respondents may skip questions, leading to missing data.
. Cultural or Language Differences
A question may be interpreted differently across cultures.
.Cost and Logistical Issues
Printing costs, travel for distribution, and data entry workload.
Advantages of Questionnaires
Low cost
Easy to administer to many people
Provides standardized data
Anonymity encourages honesty
Easy to analyze quantitatively