Questionnaires
Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 6.1.8
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
- A questionnaire is a written list of questions asked to the participants of the study. They can be:
- Posted.
- Handed.
- Online.
- Face-to-face (structured interview.)
Using questionnaires
- Questionnaires are an appropriate tool when:
- It involves large populations.
- Participants are scattered in many places.
- It might cover a sensitive issue and participants don’t feel embarrassed to answer an anonymous questionnaire.
Using questionnaires cont.
- Questionnaires are an appropriate tool when:
- The researcher wants to produce quantitative data in order to draw patterns and trends more easily.
- Participants are literate and educated so that they can answer questions properly, therefore giving accurate answers.
Designing a questionnaire
- The researcher needs to clearly state the purpose of the study.
- Instructions for the completion of the questionnaire are needed to produce valid answers.
- Length and wording of the questionnaire should be respondent-friendly.
Designing a questionnaire cont.
- Informed consent should be obtained.
- A pilot study will help the sociologist avoid conducting a study that won’t be reliable and valid as it will highlight possible areas of improvement.
Evaluating Questionnaires
Advantages
- Questionnaires can be cheaper than other methods, but they are not always cheap as it depends on the size of the sample and the number of questions.
- Questionnaires overcome problems of time, money and access.
- Using closed questions ('yes' or 'no' answers) usually produce quantitative data, which makes it easier for the researcher to draw patterns and trends.
Advantages cont.
- They are usually reliable as it is easier to replicate them.
- Using open questions allows the respondent to elaborate on their answer which can provide rich and valid data.
Disadvantages
- If questions are closed, they can’t provide rich data.
- If questions are open, they take too much time and possibly money to analyse and identify any possible patterns and trends.
- Low response rate might affect the accuracy of the results as the sample might not be representative.
Disadvantages cont.
- Since the questions are predetermined, they might be seen as biased as the researcher already has an idea about how the respondent might answer.
- Researchers won't be able to use the body language of respondents to identify whether or not they are telling the truth.
Test yourself on Questionnaires
What are the different types of questionnaires?
A researcher must first conduct an initial study that will highlight possible areas of improvement for the questionnaire. What is this initial study called?
Which types of question allow the respondent to elaborate, which can provide rich and valid data?
What kinds of problems are overcome by using questionnaires?