Questionnaires in Research Methodology (tool for data collection)

Questionnaires in Research Methodology (tool for data collection)

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  Questionnaires in Research Methodology ATool for Data Collection Dr. Sudhanshu Janwadkar
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  What is aQuestionnaire • A research instrument consisting of a series of questions. • Designed to gather information from respondents. • A method of primary data collection. • Can be used in various modes: • Online Surveys • Paper-and-Pencil • Telephone Interviews • Face-to-Face Interviews
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  Key Objectives ofa Questionnaire • To Quantify Data: Transform opinions and behaviors into measurable data. • To Describe Characteristics: Profile a sample population (e.g., demographics, attitudes). • To Test Hypotheses: Examine relationships between variables. • To Measure Changes: Track attitudes or behaviors over time.
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  Types of Questions Open-EndedQuestions Allow free-form answers. Example: "What do you think about our new service?" Pros: Rich, qualitative data. Cons: Difficult to analyze statistically. Closed-Ended Questions Provide predefined response options. Example: "Rate your satisfaction from 1 to 5." Pros: Easy to quantify and analyze. Cons: May limit respondent expression.
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  Common Question Formats 1.Dichotomous: Yes/No, True/False. 2. Multiple Choice: Select one or more from a list. 3. Likert Scale: Measures agreement (e.g., Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree). 4. Rating Scale: Numeric scale (e.g., 1-10). 5. Ranking: Order items by preference. 6. Matrix: Multiple questions sharing the same set of answers.
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  The Process ofQuestionnaire Design 1. Define Objectives: What do you need to know? 2. Choose Question Types: Open vs. Closed. 3. Draft Questions: Write clear and simple questions. 4. Sequence & Layout: Logical flow and user-friendly design. 5. Pilot Testing: Test with a small group. 6. Finalize & Distribute: Implement the survey.
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  Principles of GoodQuestion Wording 1. Be Clear & Concise: Avoid jargon and technical terms. 2. Avoid Leading Questions: Don't suggest a desired answer. 3. Avoid Double-Barreled Questions: Ask only one thing per question. 4. Avoid Double Negatives: They are confusing. 5. Ensure Mutually Exclusive Options: In multiple choice, categories should not overlap.
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  Advantages of Questionnaires 1.Efficiency: Can be distributed to a large audience quickly and cheaply. 2. Standardization: All respondents answer the same questions, ensuring consistency. 3. Anonymity: Can encourage more honest responses. 4. Ease of Analysis: Data from closed-ended questions is easy to code and analyze statistically.
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  Limitations of Questionnaires 1.Low Response Rate: A common problem, leading to potential non-response bias. 2. Lack of Depth: May not reveal underlying reasons, motivations, or emotions. 3. No Clarification: Respondents cannot ask for clarification on ambiguous questions. 4. Respondent Bias: Risk of social desirability bias (answering what seems socially acceptable).