Seminar on
Questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
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A
questionnaire
is
a
data-gathering
device.
Questionnaires are flexible and adaptable to a variety
of research designs, populations and purposes.
A questionnaire comprises of series of questions asked
from the respondents in order to investigate any
phenomenon, its use is more common in research
studies and in statistics. The First questionnaire was
first developed by Sir. Francis Galton.
Cont….
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Questionnaire is basically one of the type of survey
which is a method in primary research.
Questionnaire is one of the most commonly used
method in survey. Since other two methods that are
interview and observation are rather difficult to
conduct as compared to questionnaire.
Questionnaires can be conducted for any type of
research study, but their use is common in social
sciences, humanities and in management studies.
where one has to know the opinion of people
regarding anything.

A questionnaire is a formalized set of
questions for obtaining information from
respondents.
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It must translate the information needed into
a set of specific questions that the
respondents can and will answer.
A questionnaire must uplift, motivate, and
encourage the respondent to become
involved in the interview, to cooperate, and to
complete the interview.
A questionnaire should minimize response
error.
Survey questions can be Classified into two
Structures
Closed – ended
 Open – ended

Openended
Slow
Speed of completion
Closed
Fast
High
Exploratory nature
Low
High
Breadth and depth
Low
Easy
Ease of preparation
Difficult
Difficult
Ease of analysis
Easy
There are nine steps involved in the development of a
questionnaire:
1. Decide the information required.
2. Define the target respondents.
3. Choose the method(s) of reaching your target respondents.
4. Decide on question content.
5. Develop the question Structures.
6. Put questions into a meaningful order and format.
7. Physical appearance of the questionnaire.
8. Pre-test the questionnaire.
9. Develop the final survey form.
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Questionnaire language should be
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Simple
Specific
Free of bias
Not patronizing
Technically accurate
Addressed to those who are knowledgeable
Appropriate for the reading level of the respondent
It is important to design questions very carefully.
A poorly designed questionnaire renders
results meaningless. There are many factors to
consider.
 Make items clear.
 Avoid double-barreled questions.
 Respondent must be competent to answer.
 Questions should be relevant.
 Short items are best.
 Avoid negative items.

Number of questions to be added in a
questionnaire depends on various factors, but
one thing is sure that a questionnaire that
contain too many questions will not be very
effective. Still it depends on the type of study
and the target population. A population that
has low mental I.Q. will face problems in
answering too many questions but a
questionnaire that has to be submitted to an
educated population will know that the
questions should be answered in proper
manner.

The
sequence
of
questions
questionnaire should be logical.
in
the
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Try to think from respondent's point of view.
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Bold questions should be asked at the end.
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Check the spellings of the question statements
before printing.
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Do not use offensive language in the questionnaire.
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Sometimes consciously or unconsciously we write
question statements that carry double-meanings
such questions will not get right responses.
If their are any difficult terms in the questionnaire
than do explain them.
Cont….
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Avoid unnecessary questions a long questionnaire.
Know the academic and mental capacities of the
target
population
and
design
questions
accordingly.

If their are certain personal or emotional questions
ask them in the middle or at the end.

Don't ask for elaborate answers for the questions
Cont…
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Use polite language.
Don't write questions that already contain the answer
to the question.
Prefer
neutral
questions
rather
confirmatory or negative questions.
than
using
Let the respondents know that their privacy will be
ensured and their name and other information will
not be leaked.
In close-ended questions provide enough options to
choose from.
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A well designed questionnaire is essential to a
successful survey.
A good questionnaire is one which help directly
achieve the research objectives, provides complete
and accurate information, is easy for both
interviewers and respondents to complete.

Kothari, C. R. (2008). Research methodology. (2 ed., p. 418). New
Delhi: New Age Publications.

Krishnaswamy , O. R. (2002). methodology of research in social
science . (p. 529). Delhi: Himalaya Publishing house.

Ronald , R. P., & Lynn , S. C. (2004). Basic research methods for
librarians (library and information science text series). (4 ed., p.
200). New Delhi: Libraries Unlimited.

Kenneth , N. R. (2005). Quantitative research methods in
educational planning. Retrieved from
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002145/214555E.pdf