Developing a Questionnaire

Abstract

This chapter reviews the strengths and weaknesses of different types of survey methods. It shows how to design a questionnaire: how to write attitude, behavior, and demographic questions and format a survey. Coding responses and preparing data for computer analysis are important skills discussed as well. The chapter presents poorly written surveys, a good questionnaire for distribution in a small study, and the different ways of designing questions and formats for surveys and interviews. It focuses on designing questionnaires that can be used for structured interviews. These take place face to face or over the telephone using a questionnaire, often called an interview schedule. A central issue for interviews is the role of the interviewer, whose style and personal characteristics can affect the respondents' answers. Interviews are reactive situations of social interaction in which discussions about personal behavior and opinions with a stranger are influenced by the interview process itself.

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