questionnaires

• What is a questionnaire?


  A standardized set of written questions with pre-set answers.
• What types of formats can questionnaires be issued in?

  They can be postal or issued online.
• Who favors the use of questionnaires?

  They are favored by positivists.
• What type of data do questionnaires produce?


  They produce quantitative data.
• What is a key advantage of questionnaires in terms of reliability?


  They are high in reliability.
• What does operationalization mean in the context of questionnaires?


  It means making the concept measurable.
• How can sociological terms be made understandable in questionnaires?


  By asking questions in a way that non-sociologists can understand.
• What type of questions could be used to operationalize the concept of 'dual burden'?


  Questions like, 'Do you take responsibility for the housework?' and 'Do you work full time?'
• What does standardised research mean in the context of questionnaires?


  It means that each respondent gets the same set of questions.
• What is the purpose of a pilot study in questionnaire research?


  To test whether the questions make sense to the respondents.
• What type of questions do questionnaires mainly use?


  Closed questions and multiple choice answers.
• Why do positivists prefer closed questions in questionnaires?


  Because closed questions give quantitative data.
• What type of data do open-ended questions provide?


  Qualitative data.
• Give an example of an open-ended question.


  'What’s your favorite meal?'
• What are some guidelines for creating effective questionnaires?


  Use clear questions, give clear instructions, and have a clear layout.
• What should questionnaires avoid asking?


  Embarrassing, threatening, or complex questions.
• Why should questionnaires not be too long?


  Because they may lead to lower response rates.
• What is a common issue with using sociological terms in questionnaires?


  They may not be understood by most people.
• What is a potential bias in questionnaire responses?


  Respondents may be led to answer in a particular way.
• What is the Crime Survey for England and Wales?


  A government survey that collects data from about 38,000 people a year.
• What did Michael Rutter use questionnaires for in 1979?


  To collect data from 12 inner-London secondary schools.
• What correlations did Rutter find using questionnaires?


  Correlations between class size, number of staff, and school size.
• What are the strengths of using questionnaires?


  • Produce large amounts of data cheaply
  • High in reliability
  • Often anonymous
  • Quick to complete
  • Produce representative data for generalizations
• What are the weaknesses of using questionnaires?


  • Low response rate
  • Low in validity
  • Only useful for literate individuals
  • Lack deeper meaning
  • No one to explain questions
• What are some areas that a questionnaire could investigate in education?


  Subject and university choice, bullying and experience of schooling, achievement and school factors, parental attitudes to education
• How does the video linked in the study material show flaws of questionnaires?


  It illustrates potential biases and limitations in questionnaire design and responses
• What problems might arise when using questionnaires in schools?


  Confusion, oversimplification, and lack of engagement from students
• What is a challenge in 'operationalising concepts' for questionnaires in education?


  Sociologists need to simplify complex ideas for students, which may lead to confusion
• How would you phrase a question about "Cultural Capital" for a 10-year-old?


  What skills do you think help kids do better in school?
• How would you phrase a question about teacher labelling and expectations for a 10-year-old?


  Do you think teachers treat some kids differently than others?
• How would you phrase a question about subject choice and achievement based on gender for a 10-year-old?


  Do you think boys and girls choose different subjects in school?
• What is a problem related to sampling in educational questionnaires?


  Schools may not keep accurate records needed for research
• What access issues might researchers face when distributing questionnaires in schools?


  Researchers need permission to distribute questionnaires, which may be denied
• What response issues can arise with questionnaires in schools?


  Pupils may find questionnaires boring and provide invalid answers
• What is a potential issue with the response rate of questionnaires in schools?


  Teachers and parents may be too busy to complete surveys
• What practical issues might students face when answering questionnaires?


  Students may not understand the questions or have reading difficulties
• Why might questionnaires have limited value for younger students?


  Children have short attention spans and limited understanding
• What influence might the word of a questionnaire have in a school setting?


  It could pass around before all students see it, influencing answers
• What might teachers do that could affect questionnaire responses?


  Teachers may guess the purpose of the questionnaire and alter their answers
• What concerns might pupils have regarding the anonymity of their questionnaire responses?


  Pupils may not believe their answers are anonymous and feel uncomfortable