Questionnaire: Research
Method for Data
Collection
Research Methods
Research methods are the techniques utilized for collecting data which can later be
analyzed in order to create a better understanding of a topic.
There are various tools to collect data. Some are as follows:-
- Interview
- Questionnaire
- Surveys
- Focus group discussions
- Observation
- Check lists
- Case studies
For studying people we use scientific methods that are systematic, reliable, standardized and Valid.
1. Systematic method – the methods of data collection needs to be scientific and appropriate for the questions/ topics
under investigation.
2. Reliability - is the degree to which a tool produces stable and consistent results (on repeated use). Reliability is the
degree to which a measuring instrument gives consistent results.
Example - reliability is achieved when a thermometer/ weighing machine consistently gives same results).
3. Validity – the tool should measure what it is supposed to measure and not something else.
Example – Thermometer, knowledge about mathematics.
4. Standardization – the process of ensuring that research procedures are kept the same, which allows for more
accurate results and comparisons.
- procedure of testing a tool before using it in any study. It is used to increase validity & reliability of a research.
5. Objective – it should be unbiased, reliable, and factual. An objective researcher attempts to make decisions based on
evidence without allowing their values to affect their judgment.
Hypothesis – a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited explanation, as a starting point for further
Questionnaire
• is a pre planned set of questions to gather information about the feelings,
perceptions, attitudes, ideas and experiences of people on the selected topic
• Very popular method for data collection
• Data is collected in written form
• Information can be collected from a large number of individuals at the same time
• Quick to conduct
Types of Questions
Closed Ended Questions
These questions provide the respondents
many options from which they can choose
Open Ended Questions the one that matches their idea, or opinion.
They give the respondents chance to Different types of Closed ended
express their ideas in their own way questions:-
- Dichotomous questions
- Multiple choice questions
- Rank order questions
- Likert scale/ questions
Open Ended Questions Close Ended Questions
• No predetermined set of responses • Have a set of responses for the respondents (to
choose from)
• Answers are usually descriptive and subjective • Answers are short and factual
• These questions usually begin with words like, • These questions usually begin with words like
How, Why, Explain and so on is, do, Would and so on
• Respondent may take some time to answer • Can usually be answered quickly
• In a questionnaires, open ended questions are • In a questionnaires, close ended questions are
less included. usually included.
• Mostly present at the end
Types of Close Ended Questions
1. Dichotomous questions
These questions provide an opportunity to the participants to make a choice between two responses (Yes or No/ True
or False)
Q. Have you ever visited a hospital during covid 19?
a. Yes
b. No
2. Multiple choice questions
These questions provide respondents a chance to make choice between more than 2 responses
Example
Q. Which of the following is not a fruit
a. Apple
b. Mango
c. Potato
d. Banana
3. Rank order questions
These types of questions ask the respondents to rank their responses from most favorable to least favorable.
Example:-
Q. Rank/ Arrange the following according to your priority. (Most to least)
a. Family
b. Money
c. Love
d. Career
e. Any other (Please specify)………………..
4. Likert scale/ questions
It helps the researcher to know how strongly a respondent agrees with a particular statement.
Example
Q. Family plays a very important role in an individual’s life.
Strongly Agree (1) Agree (2) Neutral (3) Disagree (4) Strongly Disagree (5)
Steps for constructing and conducting a
Questionnaire
1. Written introduction and instructions for the respondent
2. Sequence of the questions (General to specific)
3. Wordings of the questions
• Use simple words
• Word your questions carefully
4. Trial before actually distributing the questionnaire
5. Questions should be according to the objectives of the study
6. Questions should be clear and simple
7. Avoid technical terms
8. Questionnaire should not be too lengthy
9. Try to avoid too many open ended questions
10. Order of the questions (least sensitive to more sensitive)
11. The questionnaire usually starts from a Demographic profile of the subject
Name-
Age –
Sex –
State/Country -
Educational Qualifications –
Occupation –
No. of members in the family –
12. Avoid double barreled questions containing two different ideas. (and/or)
Example – Are you happy with your college and the subjects they are offering?
How to administer the questionnaire
• Pen and Paper
• Mobile phones
• Emails
• Google forms
Advantages of Questionnaire Method
• Quick to conduct
• Lot of data can be collected in short period of time
• Relatively easy to analyze
• Data can be gathered from large sample size
• Simple and quick for the respondent to complete
• Uniformity in questions
Disadvantages of Questionnaire Method
• Can only be conducted with the literate respondents
• You can not clarify the meaning of question asked in the questionnaire
• Respondents may not answer all the questions
• Incomplete answers
• Low return rate
• No scope of follow up questions
Thank you!!