Questionnaires

• Qualitative data


  Rich in detail or description, usually in textual or narrative form
• Quantitative data


  Numerical data, measurements of quantity or amount
• Open questions


  Gather thoughts and opinions.
• Close questions


  Gather information that can be quantified, compared and analysed systematically.
• Types of closed questions

  Likert scale, ranking scales, fixed choice option, checklist
• Constructing a questionnaire


  1. Decide which behaviour/traits will be measured

  2. Decide on qualitative or quantitive data

  3. Decide on questions asked

  4. Pilot and modify the data

  5. Administer the questionnaire

  6. Assess the data
• Pilot and modify


  Test questionnaire with a group of participants —> obtain feedback from them —> identify issues with the questionnaire —> alter the problem questionnaires items —>
• Strengths of questionnaires


  - Can use them for lots of people cheaply and quickly

  - Participants may feel comfortable revealing personal information

  - Reduces experimenter bias which can occur in interviews

  - No special training is needed to hand out questionnaires
• Weaknesses of questionnaires


  - Closed questions limit the responses

  - Can take time to design

  - Can only be filled out by those who can read or write