When my Research Guide asked me to prepare a questionnaire for my PhD work in 2007, I got a bit nervous and confused for some time. I read several questionnaires in my life but designing the same related to my PhD topic created jitters in my mind. I further requested him to teach me the methodology in designing the questionnaire. He was kind enough to guide me and he also advised me to refer number of sample questionnaires to form a firm format. I sincerely obeyed like a disciplined soldier and referred to various formats from books and various websites.
The questionnaire is the heart of any research topic. It helps in fulfilling the objectives of the concerned study or topic. If it is designed in haste entire research activity goes awry. As long as the questionnaire is framed properly, the desired goals and objectives can be achieved successfully. There are several tools and techniques involved in designing the questionnaire. They are briefly explained as follows:
At the beginning address the participants or state the reasons for conducting the study.
Assess the maturity level of the respondents and format it accordingly.
The language must be simple straight and free from jargon.
It should be in tune with the ideals and ideas of the study.
Personalize the questionnaire.
Your questionnaire should not only be easier but it should appear to be easier.
Imaginative and innovative thinking is essential. It should be a running draft in active voice.
There should be close-ended questions to start with. Ice-breaking questions will smoothly navigate the respondent to the topic.
The questions should not be threatening and too personal.
Leave adequate space for offering comments.
There should be a smooth transition from question to question and logical connectivity.
Create curiosity and generate enthusiasm for the respondent.
It should stand out from the pack of cards.
Be creative and novel in design. And make it convenient to design the questionnaire. Highlight keywords in the questionnaire in bold, italics, or underlined so that the respondent can catch them faster and save time.
The contents of the questionnaire are more important than the length. It becomes stressful for the respondents to answer lengthy questions.
Offer options like ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or ‘True’ or ’False’ or ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong’ or ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ and so on.
Offering multiple choices for each question will encourage the respondent.
Glide the respondent gradually into open-ended questions to elicit the hidden data of communication. Encourage the respondents to open up in depth to get effective results.
Design the questions creatively and constructively so that maximum information can be obtained. The questions can be questioned by posing from both positive and negative sides of the topic so that at the end of the session. You can cross-check whether the responses are consistent or if there is any contradiction. In case if contradiction is noticed then the responses can not be taken as correct. Such methodology will make the research work free from errors and foolproof.
Create a wonderful title to motivate active participation.
Do not design too many questions as it decreases the interest levels.
Enclose a self-addressed and stamped envelope if the questionnaire is to be mailed.
Highlight the 5-dimensional approach 5W's – why, what, where, when, and who.
Create questions by ranking on a scale of 1 to 5 from either the least to the most required or vice versa.
Create a conservational tone.
Use 'you' not the third person. By this, you can personalize the questionnaire.
Use emotions like we all want to feel greater, better, bigger, etc. All these things will connect your questionnaire to the respondents and then slowly get the responses for the study.
Remove repetitions.
The flow of the questionnaire should be smooth and natural.
Read, reread, and change the design and ultimately you will have the best questionnaire. A lot of spade work, rework, and redrafting is essential.
At the end, ask for any suggestions or improvements related to the topic.
Thank the respondents at the end of the questionnaire.
The Role of Researcher
Make the respondent comfortable and convince him to attempt. Be personally with them to clarify any doubts or queries. Encourage them to fill out the questionnaire instantly to get spontaneous responses. Tell respondents that there is fun in responding to the questionnaire.
Post Questionnaire Response
Thank all respondents for their valuable contribution to your research work. Providing them with nonfinancial incentives like gifting either key rings or stationery items of daily utility, chocolates, etc., will not only motivate them but also create everlasting memorable impact in their minds.
Designing a questionnaire initially looks tiresome for freshers but when once tuned to designing then you will find it interesting and entertaining. It is a great mental and creative activity and it teaches many lessons in life.
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