1. Questionnaires How to gain relevant/useful information using the self report technique

2. Two types of Self-Report Questionnaires – written form of self-report Interviews – oral type of self report

3. Questionnaire A list of standardised sets of questions is given to each respondent; they give their answers in writing

4. Constructing a Questionnaire 1. Decide whether you want qualitative or quantitative data.

5. Type of Data Qualitative data - open Rich in detail or description, usually in textual or narrative form Quantitative data - closed Numerical data, measurements of quantity or amount

6. Type of Questionnaire Data: Qualitative Rich in detail Allows for in-depth analysis BUT Difficult to analyse Difficult to compare people or groups Quantitative Easier to analyse (e.g. statistically) Easier to compare people or groups BUT Not detailed and potentially superficial

7. Types of Question Open questions Allow respondents to answer however they want Generate qualitative data Closed questions Restrict respondent to a predetermined set of responses Generate quantitative data

8. Types of Closed Question Straightforward response Are you female or male? MF What is your age in years? ____ years Do you smoke? YesNo

9. Types of Closed Question Checklist What is the highest academic qualification you hold? G.C.S.E.s A Levels Batchelor Degree Post-graduate Degree

10. Types of Closed Question Numerical (Likert) response scale Psychology is the most interesting A-Level subject 12345 Strongly agree AgreeNot sureDisagree Strongly Disagree

11. Types of Closed Question Ranking scale Rank the following activities according to how much time you spend on them each day (1 = most time, 4 = least time) Talking face to face Talking on the telephone Text messaging Other (e.g. MSN, Facebook chat)

12. Open questions 1. Describe you last experience of parachuting. 2. Please describe a person who you consider to be a positive role model.

13. What to consider when writing your questions Good questions will only come out of a project that has well-defined aims When the goals of a study can be expressed in a few clear and concise sentences, the design of the questionnaire becomes considerably easier. The questionnaire is developed to directly address the goals of the study.

14. Consider long questionnaires get less response than short questionnaires. Keep your questionnaire short. In fact, the shorter the better. Response rate is the single most important indicator of how much confidence you can place in the results.

15. Consider "How am I going to use this information?" If the information will be used in a decision-making process, then keep the question... it's important. If not, throw it out. Know how every question will be analyzed and be prepared to handle missing data. If you cannot specify how you intend to analyze a question or use the information, do not use it in the survey.

16. Consider A questionnaire with a title is generally perceived to be more credible than one without. Include clear and concise instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. These must be very easy to understand, so use short sentences and basic vocabulary.

17. Consider People generally look at the first few questions before deciding whether or not to complete the questionnaire. Make them want to continue by putting interesting questions first.

18. Consider Use simple and direct language. The questions must be clearly understood by the respondent. Do not use uncommon words or long sentences. Make items as brief as possible. This will reduce misunderstandings

19. Consider Hold the respondent's interest. We want the respondent to complete our questionnaire. One way to keep a questionnaire interesting is to provide variety in the type of items used. Varying the questioning format will also prevent respondents from falling into "response sets". At the same time, it is important to group items into coherent categories. All items should flow smoothly from one to the next.

20. Pilot and Modify Test Questionnaire with a group of PPs Obtain feedback from them Identify issues with the q’aire Alter the problem q’aire items

21. Questionnaire Design Keep it simple & ensure clarity (start with easy) Keep it as short as possible Keep it relevant to purpose Collect personal information last Ask for one piece of information at a time Allow for ‘don’t know’ where appropriate Be sensitive Use filler questions – reduces demand characteristics

22. Interviews Structured Semi Structured Unstructured

23. Ways of Administering: Face to face in a private/public place. En masse to a group in a public setting. Through the post. Via the internet. Over the telephone.