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Develop a questionnaire
Some hints on how to design a questionnaire
- Explain what sort of information the questionnaire will seek.
- Make sure it is correct, neat and well spaced.
- Make sure that the layout is consistent.
- Choose an easily read type-face.
- Leave pages un-numbered if it is long.
- Make sure that the instructions are clear and separate from the questions.
- Make sure that your questions will provide you with the data you need - it's too late to go back after.
- Give clear response mechanisms (circle, tick, cross, etc)
- Ask only questions specific to your research.
- Use different question structures:
- Statements with Likert responses in one section
- Yes/No choices in another section
- Ask for demographic information first.
- Use numbering or coding for questionnaire identification at return (no names - maintain confidentiality)
- Put important questions early, in case it is not finished.
- End by thanking the participants for their contributions.
- Always test the questionnaire to make sure users can understand the questions.
Other questions to consider
- How will the questionnaire be delivered (personally, by post, or on line)?
- Will participants be reminded if they haven't returned it - how? (with another copy, a reminder letter, a phone call, a personal visit). Emphasise the importance of the questionnaire, include a replacement.
- How will the questionnaires be stored?
- How will the data be analysed?
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