Questionnaires Questionnaire is tool and survey are methods of data collection. Good surveys need: 1) a well-designed questionnaire 2) an appropriately conducted survey 3) the correct statistical analysis Survey-Definition · A systematic method for gathering info from a sample of people for the purpose of constructing qualitative descriptors of attributes of wider population of which they're a part · Surveys gather info that reflects populations attitudes, behaviours opinions and beliefs that cannot be observed directly · A survey can give you qualitative and quantitative data but quantitative data is key element Types of Surveys One off/cross sectional · Data collected at one point in time to represent larger population Longitudinal · Trend: surveys of sample population at different time points · Cohort: study of sample population each time data is collected but questions can be different · Panel: data collection at various time points with same sample of respondents Survey Administration · Modes of questionnaire administration- face to face, by phone, by post, online . No particular way is better than any others · Choice depends on: study population, study topic, sampling frame, sampling method, volume and complexity of data fl resources · Self-complete vs interviewer administered Why Use a Questionnaire Survey? Data collection tool to address study aims and objectives. Structured and organised, target particular groups. Not an easy option, it's difficult to construct a good survey. Questionnaire Design . Focus on what you want to ask · Consider how to analyse data · Don't include questions for the sake of it · Only include questions that help you answer primary research question . Ensure all realistic options included in your MCQ Useful questions to ascertain content ... · Is question necessary or useful · Are several questions needed · Do respondents have needed info
· Do questions need to be more specific · Is question biased or loaded · Is question asking about sensitive info Online Questionnaires Online data collection strategies- short amounts of data in short time period. Effective in collecting data on: · sensitive issues · hard to reach populations Also, convenient as: · answer at convenient time · take as much time as possible to answer · complete survey in multiple sessions · be anonymous Researcher gives instant data base Platforms: · survey monkey is free but has max numbers of questions and respondents 0 legal issues regarding data output with UK · JISC . Other considerations: twitter, forums or services Survey and Questionnaire Conclusions Think about research process from start to finish, bear in mind time scale. Always pilot your questionnaire- prevents problems later on. Questionnaire should be concise, direct and easy to understand.