Researcher Methods: Questionnaires Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is a questionnaire
-A list of pre set questions to which the respondents are asked to apply answers to.
What are the different type of questionnaire
-Postal
-Web- based
-Hand delivered
What is a postal questionnaire
-Questionnaire sent out via the Postal Service
What is a web based questionnaire
-Questionnaires that are sent out via the internet possibly using services such as Google Forms or via email
What is a hand delivered questionnaire
-Ones that are given out in person by the researcher to the intended participant
Which type of questionnaire has the highest response rate
Hand delivered
What are teh different questionnaire designs
-Closed question
-Open question
What is a closed questionnaire
-Where a limited number of responses are given that the respondents must choose from
(Quantitative)
What is an open questionnaire
-Where the questions allow them to explain their responses
(Qualitative)
Examples of questionnaires
The Census- data that is collected by the government and sent out every 10 years for people to respond to. Secondary data
Practical advantages of questionnaires
-Quick and Cheap-Especially useful for large-scale research (e.g., postal or online questionnaires).
-Efficient for Large Samples-Can gather data from thousands of people with minimal effort.
-No Need for Interviewer-Reduces researcher costs and avoids interviewer bias.
-Easy to Quantify-Closed questions generate standardised data that’s simple to analyse statistically.
-Geographically Flexible-Can be distributed across wide areas without the need for face-to-face contact.
Practical disadvantages of questionnaires
Low Response Rates-Especially with postal or online surveys—many may ignore or discard them.
-Misunderstanding of Questions-No interviewer present to clarify confusing terms, leading to inaccurate answers.
-Limited Depth-Closed-ended questions don’t allow detailed, personal responses.
-Respondent Might Lie or Rush-Answers may be superficial, dishonest, or not well thought through.
-Fixed Questions-Inflexible—can’t follow up or explore interesting issues that arise.
Ethical advantages of questionnaires
-Informed Consent-Researchers can include clear information at the beginning, ensuring participants know what the study is about.
-Anonymity and Confidentiality-Especially when no names are required; this encourages honest responses.
-Low Risk of Psychological Harm-Questionnaires are generally non-intrusive and unlikely to cause distress.
-Right to Withdraw Is Clear-Participants can simply choose not to complete or return the questionnaire.
Ethical disadvantages of questionnaires
-Low Validity-Responses may not reflect true feelings—people may lie, misunderstand, or give socially desirable answers.
-Lack of Depth-Closed questions don’t capture the richness of human experience or the meanings behind actions.
-Impersonal Method-No chance to build rapport or explore deeper issues as in interviews.
-Interpretivist Criticism-Interpretivists argue questionnaires fail to understand the subjective meaning behind social behaviour.
Theoretical advantages of questionnaires
-High Reliability-Standardised format means they can be repeated under the same conditions and produce consistent results.
-Quantifiable Data-Closed questions allow for easy statistical analysis and comparison.
-Objectivity-No interviewer involvement reduces researcher bias.
-Favoured by Positivists-Suits a scientific approach: large samples, measurable variables, generalisability.
Theoretical disadvantages of questionnaires
-Low validity-Responses may not reflect true feelings—people may lie, misunderstand, or give socially desirable answers. (When participants give answers they believe are more socially acceptable or favorable rather than being truthful)
-Lack of Depth
• Closed questions don’t capture the richness of human experience or the meanings behind actions.
3. Impersonal Method
• No chance to build rapport or explore deeper issues as in interviews.
4. Interpretivist Criticism
• Interpretivists argue questionnaires fail to understand the subjective meaning behind social behaviour.
