steps involved in constructing a questionnaire

Q.5 Explain Questionnaire. Explain the steps involved in constructing a questionnaire.

Meaning of Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a list or schedule of questions prepared by the researcher for collecting information from respondents.
It is usually a printed or typed set of questions arranged in a proper order. The respondents read the questions, record their answers in the given space and return the questionnaire to the investigator. It is widely used in surveys, opinion studies and market research.

Characteristics / Features of a Good Questionnaire

1. It is related to a specific problem or objective of the study.
2. Questions are simple, clear and easily understood.
3. Questions are arranged in a logical sequence.
4. It avoids personal, embarrassing and leading questions.
5. It is neither too long nor too short.
6. Adequate space is provided for answers. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
7. It contains necessary instructions to help the respondent in answering.

Steps involved in Constructing a Questionnaire

1. Defining the Objectives of the Study
   
   • First of all, the researcher must be clear about the purpose of the enquiry – what information is required and why it is required.
   • Clear objectives help in selecting relevant questions and avoiding unnecessary ones.
2. Deciding the Information to be Collected
   
   • The researcher then decides what specific data are needed to achieve the objectives.
   • For example: personal details, income, education, preferences, opinions, etc. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
   • Only useful and relevant items should be included.
3. Identifying the Respondents and Mode of Contact
   
   • The target group of respondents (students, customers, employees, etc.) and the way of contacting them (by post, online, personal interview) should be decided. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
   • This affects the language, length and layout of the questionnaire.
4. Deciding the Types of Questions
   
   • The researcher chooses suitable form of questions, such as:
     (a) Closed-ended questions – answers are limited to given alternatives like Yes/No, Agree/Disagree, multiple choice, rating scale, etc.
     (b) Open-ended questions – respondents are free to write their own answers. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
   • A good questionnaire usually combines both types depending on the information required.
5. Drafting the Questions (Wording of Questions)
   
   • Questions should be written in simple, clear and polite language.
   • Technical terms, double-meaning words and long sentences should be avoided.
   • Questions should not be leading or biased, and should not hurt the feelings of the respondent.
   • Only one idea should be asked in one question. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
6. Deciding the Sequence or Order of Questions
   
   • Begin with simple, general and interesting questions to create interest and gain cooperation.
   • More complex, detailed and personal questions should be placed in the middle.
   • Classification questions like age, sex, income, etc. may be kept at the end. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
   • The order should be logical so that the respondent can move smoothly from one question to another.
7. Design and Layout of the Questionnaire
   
   • The questionnaire should have an attractive and neat appearance. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
   • A suitable title and number of the questionnaire should be given.
   • Clear instructions should be printed about how to answer, how to mark a choice, and how to return the form.
   • Adequate space should be left for answers, especially for open-ended questions.
   • Pages should be numbered and questions may also be numbered for easy reference.
8. Preparation of Introductory Note / Covering Letter
   
   • A brief introduction is given at the beginning explaining:
     • who is conducting the survey,
     • the purpose of the study,
     • assurance of confidentiality of answers, and
     • thanks for cooperation.
   • This increases the response rate and builds trust.
9. Pre-testing / Pilot Study
   
   • Before using the questionnaire on a large scale, it should be tried on a small group of respondents similar to the actual sample. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
   • This pilot test helps in finding out ambiguous questions, unnecessary items, difficulties in understanding, length of time taken, etc.
10. Revision and Finalization
    
    • On the basis of feedback from the pilot study, necessary changes are made.
    • Confusing or irrelevant questions are modified or removed. steps involved in constructing a questionnaire
    • The final questionnaire is then printed or prepared for distribution.
11. Coding Plan and Numbering
    
    • For easy analysis of data, possible answers of closed questions may be given code numbers in advance.
    • Questions and response categories are systematically numbered to facilitate tabulation and computer entry later.

Conclusion

A questionnaire is a very important tool of data collection in surveys. A well-constructed questionnaire saves time and cost, gives accurate and comparable information and increases the reliability of the research. Therefore, the researcher must follow systematic steps – from defining objectives to pilot testing and finalizing – to ensure that the questionnaire is clear, relevant and capable of giving the required data.

If you would like to know the Syllabus of Statistical Analysis for business M.com-l of Gndu, you must visit the official website of Gndu.

👉 important questions of Statistical Analysis For Business

1. Differentiate between primary and secondary data
2. Methods of Sampling probability