Questionnaires

I. Constructing a questionnaire 1. Tick items in lists or boxes 2. In addition other types are often used: a straight choice between two answers e.g. Do you agree...? Yes/No (or plus: Don ’ t know)

I. Constructing a questionnaire 3. Make choices on a scale e.g. What is your opinion of the program? Circle a number on the scale: 1-10 (where 1 = very poor, 5 = satisfactory, and 10 = excellent).

I. Constructing a questionnaire 4. Open-ended questions e.g. What did you enjoy most about the program? (And why?)

I. Constructing a questionnaire Note: 1. Remember that open-ended questions take longer to analyze and summarize. 2. Questionnaires need to be constructed carefully so that the questionnaires are clear, brief and not ambiguous in any way. It is best to try a pilot study (a small-scale test) with friends to sort out any ‘ teething problems ’ (early minor problems) e.g. the wrong question for the purpose, omitted questions.

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 1. General guidelines 2. Editing guidelines 3. Item-writing issues 4. Things to avoid in writing good survey items

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 1. General guidelines (1) Professional looking – clean format (2) Brief and concise a. Simple language b. Identify the need for every question c. Clear instructions

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 1. General guidelines (3) Use Check Boxes or Circles rather than blanks (4) Place personal questions at the end (5) Leave room for comments

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 2. Editing guidelines (1) Read question aloud (2) Scan items for these words: And; Or; But; With; Except; If; When; (3) Consider sensitivity review

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 2. Editing guidelines (4) Pilot a. Get feedback and reactions b. Look for: i. Little variance; ii. Too many “ other ” ; iii. Too many “ don ’ t know ” iv. Misinterpretation of open-ended items

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 3. Item-writing issues (1) Match the metric with the question (2) Order scales from low to high, negative to positive (3) Strongly disagree – disagree – neutral - agree – strongly agree

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 4. Things to avoid in writing good survey items (1) The middle or neutral option (2) The “ other ” option (unless there are few categories — where “ other ” becomes useful during piloting)

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 4. Things to avoid in writing good survey items (3) Open-ended questions (unless your purpose is to explore the possibilities – recognizing the limitations of reporting the results) (4) Overly long items

II. Suggestions for writing a questionnaire 4. Things to avoid in writing good survey items (5) Unclear or ambiguous items (6) Incomplete items (7) Negative items