Questionnaire

Meaning
A questionnaire is a structured set of written or printed questions used by researchers to
collect information from respondents about their opinions, behaviours, experiences, or
characteristics. It is one of the most widely used instruments for primary data collection in
both qualitative and quantitative research. Questionnaires can be self-administered (online or
paper-based) or interviewer-administered, depending on the research design and target
population. Questionnaires are designed with different types of questions, including open-
ended questions (which allow respondents to answer in their own words) and closed-ended
questions (which provide predefined response options such as Yes/No, multiple choice, or
Likert scale ratings). The choice of question type depends on the nature of the study and the
kind of information the researcher wants to collect.
Advantages
(i) Questionnaires, especially online versions, are inexpensive to produce and distribute. A
large sample of respondents can be reached quickly and efficiently without significant
financial or time investment.
(b) Since all respondents receive the same set of questions, data collected are uniform and
easier to analyze statistically. This helps maintain objectivity and comparability across
responses.
(c) Respondents often feel more comfortable providing honest answers in anonymous
questionnaires, particularly when discussing sensitive topics (income, health, or personal
opinions).
(d) Questionnaires can be distributed across wide geographic locations through mail, email,
or online platforms, allowing researchers to reach respondents who are physically distant.
(e) Closed-ended questions generate quantitative data that can be easily entered into statistical
software for analysis.
Disadvantages
(i) Many questionnaires go unanswered, especially when there is no personal follow-up or
incentive. A low response rate can affect the representativeness of the data.
(ii) Respondents may misinterpret questions, especially if wording is complex or unclear.
Unlike interviews, the researcher cannot immediately clarify doubts.
(iii) While closed-ended questions allow for quick responses, they limit the depth and
richness of the data. Open-ended questions, though deeper, are harder to analyze and often
skipped by respondents.
(iv) Some individuals may give socially desirable answers or avoid questions they find
uncomfortable. This can lead to inaccurate or skewed results.
(e) Respondents need to be literate and motivated to complete the questionnaire accurately. In
populations with low literacy, the effectiveness of a questionnaire may be compromised.
Process of designing a good questionnaire for research purposes
(i) Define the Objectives of the Study: The first step in designing a questionnaire is to
clearly define the purpose of the research. The questionnaire should be directly aligned with
the research questions and objectives. This helps identify what kind of information needs to
be collected and from whom. Example: If the research is about customer satisfaction, the
questionnaire should focus on customers’ perceptions, experiences, and expectations.
(ii) Identify the Target Population: Determine who will answer the questionnaire. The
design must consider the demographic characteristics (age, education, language proficiency)
of the target respondents to ensure questions are understandable and relevant.
(iii) Choose the Type of Questions
Closed-ended questions: For quantitative analysis (Yes/No, multiple-choice, rating scales)
Open-ended questions: For qualitative responses (Please describe your experience…)
Scaled questions: Likert scale (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree) for measuring attitudes
A balance between both types ensures both breadth and depth of data.
(iv) Construct the Questions
Keep questions clear, concise, and unambiguous. Avoid double-barreled questions (Are you
satisfied with our product and service?). Avoid leading or biased wording. Use simple,
familiar language suitable to the respondent group. Ensure questions are mutually exclusive
and exhaustive where needed
(v) Organize the Questionnaire Logically
Introduction: Explain the purpose, ensure confidentiality, and seek consent
Section A: Collect demographic data (age, gender, occupation)
Section B: Core research questions related to variables of interest
Section C: Feedback or additional comments
Group similar questions together and use clear instructions throughout.
(vi) Select the Measurement Scale
Nominal scale: Categories without order (gender, religion)
Ordinal scale: Ranked responses (satisfaction levels)
Interval/Ratio scale: For numerical data (age, income)
Common scales include Likert scales, semantic differential scales, and numerical rating
scales.
(vii) Pilot Test the Questionnaire
Conduct a pilot study with a small sample of respondents to check through clarity of
questions, time taken to complete, reliability and validity, and technical or wording issues.
Revise the questionnaire based on pilot feedback.
(viii) Validity and Reliability
Content Validity: Involve experts to review whether the questions adequately cover all
dimensions of the concept.
Construct Validity: Ensure the questions truly measure the intended theoretical construct.
Reliability: Test internal consistency using methods such as Cronbach’s alpha for multi-item
scales.
(ix) Ethical Considerations: Include a consent statement and assure confidentiality and
anonymity. Make participation voluntary and provide contact details for further queries.
(x) Finalize and Distribute: After validation and necessary revisions, finalize the
questionnaire and decide the mode of administration: online, email, telephone, or face-to-
face, depending on the research context and accessibility of respondents.
Difference between Open-Ended and Closed-Ended Questions
Basis Open-Ended Questions Closed-Ended Questions
Questions that allow respondents Questions that provide predefined
Definition
to answer in their own words. response options to choose from.
Subjective, detailed, and
Nature of Response Objective, brief, and specific.
descriptive.
High – respondents can express Limited – respondents must
Flexibility
thoughts freely. choose from given options.
Difficult – requires qualitative Easy – responses can be quantified
Ease of Analysis
analysis or coding of responses. and statistically analyzed.
To explore opinions, feelings, or To measure frequency, attitudes,
Purpose
motivations in depth. or preferences in a structured way.
What are your views on online Do you support online education?
Example 1
education? (a) Yes (b) No (c) Not sure
How satisfied are you with your
Describe the challenges you face job? (a) Very satisfied (b) Satisfied
Example 2
in your job." (c) Neutral (d) Dissatisfied (e)
Very dissatisfied"
Use in Research Useful in exploratory or Common in quantitative or large-
 qualitative research. scale surveys.

Various types of scales used in questionnaires

In questionnaire design, scales are essential tools for measuring variables such as attitudes,
perceptions, opinions, behaviours, and satisfaction levels. Different types of scales help in
assigning values to qualitative responses, enabling researchers to perform statistical analysis.
Nominal Scale: The nominal scale is used to label or categorize data without implying any
order or hierarchy. It is qualitative and categorical. Example: Gender: (a) Male (b) Female (c)
Other. Religion: (a) Hindu (b) Muslim (c) Christian (d) Other. There is no inherent ranking
among categories.
Ordinal Scale: The ordinal scale provides a rank order among the options, but the intervals
between ranks are not equal. It indicates position, not magnitude. Example: How satisfied are
you with our service? (a) Very satisfied (b) Satisfied (c) Neutral (d) Dissatisfied (e) Very
dissatisfied
Interval Scale: The interval scale shows both the order and equal distance between values,
but it lacks a true zero. It allows addition and subtraction but not meaningful ratios. Example:
Attitude scale ranging from 1 to 7 (Likert-type): 1 = Strongly disagree → 7 = Strongly agree
Ratio Scale: The ratio scale has all the properties of an interval scale and includes a true zero
point, allowing for meaningful ratios. Supports all arithmetic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division). Age in years: 20, 30, 40; Income in rupees: Rs.10,000,
Rs. 20,000, Rs. 30,000; Number of children: 0, 1, 2
Likert Scale: A psychometric scale often used to measure attitudes or feelings across a
range of agreement or frequency. Example: I am satisfied with the product quality. (1)
Strongly Disagree, (2) Disagree, (3) Neutral, (4) Agree, (5) Strongly Agree Likert scales are
interval-like, assuming equal distance between points for analysis.