Questionnaire (research instrument)
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a set of questions designed for gathering information from individuals, either in paper format or online. It is utilized in various fields, including academia, government, and market research, to collect data quickly from a large audience. When distributed to a representative portion of a population, it is referred to as a questionnaire, while distribution to the entire population is termed a census. Questionnaires typically employ two types of questions: closed-ended questions, which provide predetermined answer choices, and open-ended questions, which allow participants to express their thoughts in their own words.
While closed-ended questions facilitate rapid data collection, they may not accurately assess knowledge, as participants might guess answers. Open-ended questions offer deeper insights into participant knowledge and opinions but require more time and can risk participant fatigue if overused. Researchers often conduct pilot studies to refine questionnaires before larger distributions. Traditionally, questionnaires were administered in person or via mail, but many now leverage online platforms, though they face challenges regarding participation rates. Overall, questionnaires are valued for their efficiency and ease of use, enabling researchers to analyze data systematically and derive meaningful conclusions.
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Questionnaire (research instrument)
Questionnaires are sets of questions printed on paper or created through an online tool, which are used for both qualitative and quantitative research. When a set of questions is distributed to a portion of the total population, it is simply called a questionnaire. If a set of questions is distributed to the entire population, it is called a census. Questionnaires can contain multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or open-ended questions. The data collected through a questionnaire is combined and analyzed by the researcher to create a better understanding of a large group or population.
Overview
Questionnaires are used by scholars, governments, marketing agencies, and other researchers to gather information quickly from a large number of people. They are a preferred research method because questionnaires are easy to distribute, cheap to produce, and can be given to many people at the same time. They are easy for researchers to use because all directions are provided on the questionnaire form, so the participants do not need to have direct interaction with the researcher to participate in the project. However, this lack of interaction means that the questions must be very clear because the participant will not be able to ask for help or clarification from the researcher.
Questionnaires contain two types of questions: closed-ended and open-ended. Closed-ended questions can be presented in true/false, yes/no, or multiple-choice formats. What closed-ended questions have in common is that all of the possible answers are provided to the participant. This type of question is a good way to quickly gather information or opinions. However, closed-ended questions are not a good way to test a participant’s knowledge of a topic because there is a chance that the participant will guess the correct answer without any knowledge of the research topic.
Open-ended questions require the participant to provide their own answers by filling in a blank or writing a statement. This type of question is a good way to gauge participant knowledge as well as to request opinions without giving too many hints to the participant. However, it takes a much longer time to answer open-ended questions than it does to answer closed-ended questions. As such, researchers must make sure that there are not too many questions on an open-ended questionnaire. Otherwise, participants might lose interest or not give detailed answers. Researchers commonly test a questionnaire in a practice study process called a pilot study, among a small group of participants to ensure that the questions make sense and do not take too much time. Then, after the questionnaire is revised based on the results of the pilot study, researchers distribute the questionnaire to a larger group of participants.
Traditionally, questionnaires were distributed on paper, either by meeting participants in person or mailing questionnaires to them. Researchers found that many people would complete an in-person questionnaire, but response rates were low with mailed questionnaires. Many modern researchers use email to conduct questionnaires, but these face the same problem as mail-in questionnaires: participation rates are often low. However, some researchers like this distribution method because it enables easy calculations. Additionally, because participants must type their answers, there are no difficulties interpreting a participant’s handwriting in open-ended questions. Additionally, online questionnaires are cheaper and faster to administer, even in a large population, and allow respondents a level of anonymity that may encourage more honest answers than they would give in an interview.
Bibliography
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McLeod, Saul. "Questionnaire Method in Research." Simply Psychology, 13 Dec. 2023, www.simplypsychology.org/questionnaires.html. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
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