Research Methods for Degree Study

Quantitative Data Collection Methods

Prepared by: xxx First Prepared on: xx-xx-xx Last Modified on: 22-04-2009 Copyright 2004 Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology

Topic & Structure of the lesson

Questionnaire Questionnaire Administrative methods Designing a questionnaire Experiment

Module Code and Module Title Research Methods for Degree Study

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Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to define and explain the use of the following :
Questionnaire Methods in administrating questionnaires Experiment

Able to design and evaluate a questionnaire

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Main Teaching Points

Definition Objective of a questionnaire Administrative methods Designing a questionnaire A good questionnaire

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Questionnaire
Definition: A questionnaire is a preformulated written set of questions to which respondents record their answers, usually within rather closely define alternatives Sekaran (2000)

A good questionnaire must engage the respondent and stimulate their interest in providing complete and accurate answers A standardized questionnaire or form will ensure comparability of data, increase the speed and accuracy of recording and facilitating data processing.
Module Code and Module Title Research Methods for Degree Study Title of Slides

Questionnaires objectives
Any questionnaire objectives has three specific

It must translate the information needed into a set of specific questions

It should motivate respondent

and

encourage

the

It should minimize the response error.

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Administration of Questionnaires
Questionnaires can be administered in the following ways
1. Self administered (personally administered)
Suitable for local area Suitable when organization is willing and able to assemble the target group Returns rate are high Completed within short period of time Questions could be clarified Motivate response Less expensive
Module Code and Module Title Research Methods for Degree Study Title of Slides

Administration of Questionnaires
2. Postal/Mailed
Can cover wide geographical area Completed at their own convenience Returns rate are very low (30%) Questions could not be clarified Might not be representative of the population due to low return rate Time consuming due delay in return

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Administration of Questionnaires
3. Intercept
Convenient sampling Not representative of the population Returns rate are high Less time consuming compare to postal Can be both mall or on-line intercept Questions could be clarified if mall Manpower is required to conduct

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Administration of Questionnaires
4. Telephone
Convenient sampling Might not be representative of the population Returns rate are high Time consuming Limited questions Manpower is required to conduct

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Questionnaire Design Process

Questionnaire design is to followed as series of steps. The steps are: Specify the information needed Specify the type of questionnaire method Determine the content of individual questions Design the questions to overcome the respondent unwillingness to answer Decide the question structure Determine the questions wording Arrange the questions in proper order Identify the form and layout Reproduce the questionnaire Eliminate the bugs by pretesting.

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Questionnaire length
The interview method influence the questionnaire design. In personal interview there is a face to face contact

Telephone interview we should avoid lengthy questions

Mailed questionnaire are self administered so questions should be simple and detailed instructions to be given. In computer assisted interviewing complex skip patterns and randomization of questions eliminate order bias. But email questionnaire should be simpler.

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Questionnaire Design
A question may be unstructured or structured In structured questions
Multiple choice Dichotomous Scales

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Points to Ponder for a good questionnaire

Questions should be placed in such a way that respondent can answer simple, easy to understand and clear Uplift the respondent Specify the information needed Individual question content Overcoming the inability and unwillingness to answer Non structured vs structured questions Nonbiased question wording Arrange the questions in proper order Identify good format and layout Eliminate the bugs by pre testing.

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Points to Ponder for a good questionnaire (cont.)

Ordinary words should be used Regularly, normally, usually etc, should be avoided. Dual statements such as positive and negatives should be avoided Implicit alternatives and assumption should be avoided. Nonlead and nonbiased questions to be given Generalizations and estimates should be avoided. Opening questions should be simple Rudimentary or basic information should be obtained first Difficult questions towards the end. Examine the influence on subsequent questions Review the sequence to ensure a logical order.

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Tutorial
Design a questionnaire for a research objective; 10-15 questions. Exchange between groups, evaluate the questionnaire and discuss. OR Evaluate and discuss the sample questionnaires given by your tutor

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Review Questions
1. Define Questionnaire 2. Discuss the advantaged and disadvantages of a questionnaire. 3. Discuss in detail the situational use of various methods in administrating a questionnaire. 4. Explain in detail the four methods of administrating a questionnaire. 5. Explain when is it appropriate to use questionnaire method to collect primary data. 6. Distinguish between open-ended questions and close ended-questions. 7. What are the characteristics of a good questionnaire?
Module Code and Module Title Research Methods for Degree Study Title of Slides

Question and Answer Session

Q&A
Module Code and Module Title Research Methods for Degree Study Title of Slides

Next Session

Designing a Questionnaire

Module Code and Module Title Research Methods for Degree Study

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