Questionnaire Design - Checklist

Task

 Comment

Check

Make sure you have permission to carry out the research.

Check with the necessary staff for permissions. There may be a research ethics policy that you would need to adhere to. If you want to use college logo, ask permission to do so

Decide what you need to know, making a list of all the information you will require and why you need to know it

This is critical and will help inform the rest of your decisions.

Having thought this through- ask if a questionnaire is the best way to obtain the information

Consider alternative methods of data collection Is it quantitative research or qualitative? Try and keep what you are doing straight forward and focussed

How is the questionnaire to be distributed and returned

It’s worth thinking this through at this stage as it may affect how you ask questions. For example, the handout method may allow for a discussion about questions, where an online survey may not and probably best suited for quantitative surveys.

Decided on Question type. This may be informed by distribution method to an extent

Verbal, list, category, ranking, scale, quantity or grid. Each type requires a different analysis – this is something you will need to give serious thought. Once decided, maintain consistency. (see further reading for support with questions)

Begin to think about the wording of your questions and how many questions you want to ask (see below for examples of question types)

Always keep in mind what you are trying to achieve and who is potentially completing your questionnaire. Keep the language simple and easy to understand. Avoid jargon A Small number ( 2- 5 questions), if asked to a large number of people (at least 30) can deliver manageable but significant results.

When you are happy with all your questions, order them

It is often better to leave sensitive questions to the end.

Write out instructions to be included on or with the questionnaire

Respondents must be clear in how they are to answer the questions (ticks in boxes, circling or rating items. Time scales should also be clearly stated.

Consider layout and appearance.

A well-presented and professional looking design will encourage people to respond. Look at using Survey Monkey and some of its design tools. Design forms in a way that helps you collate it quickly

Decide on your sample.

Try to select a sample that is close to your target audience and appropriate for your brief.

Pilot your questionnaire

No matter how pushed for time, this is worth doing as it may highlight potential problems and save time in the long run.

Try out your method of analysis

Again, it’s important to make sure this is fit for purpose. A good form design and well thought through questions should help in this process.

Take on board feedback from your sample and pilot studies and make any necessary amendments

Were there any comments on time taken to complete the form; were there comments on the wording of your questions? Did the results look like they would fulfil your brief?

Make your return dates clear

If you are working to a specific time scale then make this known to the respondent. Give yourself ample time to review result and write your report.

Keep good records of what and when you are sending information out

It’s important that you keep on top of the management, distribution and return of your information.

Plan to collect enough data to achieve convincing and reliable results

If appropriate, decide what you are doing about non respondents

Analysis of the results. Ensure you understand how to present the data you have gathered.

Review

Take a note of anything that could have been different. This is sometimes worth talking about in your report.