Questionnaire design and its variables

Questionnaire design is a critical aspect of conducting research. It involves the creation of a set of questions that are used to collect data from respondents. The design of a questionnaire is important because it can affect the quality and accuracy of the data collected.

There are several variables to consider when designing a questionnaire. These include:

1. Purpose: The purpose of the questionnaire should be clearly defined. The questions should be designed to collect information that will help to achieve the research objectives.
2. Scope: The scope of the questionnaire refers to the topics that will be covered. The questions should be focused on the specific topics that are relevant to the research objectives.
3. Question types: The types of questions used in the questionnaire can include open-ended questions, closed-ended questions, or a combination of both.
4. Order: The order of the questions should be carefully considered. The questions should be arranged in a logical and coherent manner that is easy for respondents to follow.
5. Response options: The response options provided for closed-ended questions should be comprehensive and mutually exclusive. This means that each response option should be distinct and not overlap with any other response option.
6. Length: The length of the questionnaire should be appropriate for the research objectives. A long questionnaire can lead to respondent fatigue and reduce the quality of the data collected.
7. Language: The language used in the questionnaire should be clear and easy to understand. Technical terms and jargon should be avoided unless they are necessary for the research objectives.

In summary, questionnaire design is an important aspect of research that involves the creation of a set of questions to collect data from respondents. Variables to consider when designing a questionnaire include purpose, scope, question types, order, response options, length, and language. A well-designed questionnaire can lead to high-quality data that can be used to achieve the research objectives.