Questionnaire Surveys    psychlotron .uk  Obtaining data by asking

Questionnaire Surveys www.psychlotron.org .uk Obtaining data by asking people questions and recording their answers A standardised set of question is given to each respondent; they give their answers in writing Gets you lots of data quickly and gives you an insight into people’s views, opinions and attitudes But only if they answer accurately

Questionnaire Surveys www.psychlotron.org .uk Decide which attitudes, behaviours or traits you want to measure Decide whether you want qualitative or quantitative data Decide which sorts of questions you will ask Pilot and modify the questionnaire Collect data

Type of Data Qualitative data Rich in detail or description, usually in textual or narrative form Quantitative data www.psychlotron.org .uk Numerical data, measurements of quantity or amount

Type of Data Quantitative Easier to analyse (e.g. statistically) Easier to compare people or groups BUT Undetailed and potentially superficial www.psychlotron.org .uk Qualitative Rich in detail Allows for in-depth analysis BUT Difficult to analyse Difficult to compare people or groups

Types of Question Open questions Allow respondents to answer however they want Generate qualitative data www.psychlotron.org .uk Closed questions Restrict respondent to a predetermined set of responses Generate quantitative data

Types of Closed Question Straightforward response Are you female or male? M F What is your age in years? years Do you smoke? Yes No www.psychlotron.org .uk

Types of Closed Question Checklist What is the highest academic qualification you hold? GCSEs A – Levels Batchelor Degree Post-graduate Degree www.psychlotron.org .uk

Types of Closed Question Adjectival/adverbial response Does your anxiety affect your ability to do the following things? Not at all Very much www.psychlotron.org .uk Go to work Meet friends Go shoppin g A Bit

Types of Closed Question Numerical (Likert) response scale Psychology is the most interesting A-Level subject 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly agree Agree Not sure Disagree Strongly Disagree www.psychlotron.org .uk

Types of Closed Question Ranking scale Rank the following activities according to how much time you spend on them each day (1 most time, 4 least time) www.psychlotron.org .uk Talking face to face Talking on the telephone Text messaging Other (e.g. MSN, IRC chat)

Questionnaire Design www.psychlotron.org .uk Keep it simple & clear Keep it as short as possible Keep it relevant to purpose Collect personal information last Ask for one piece of information at a time Allow for ‘don’t know’ where appropriate Be sensitive

Pilot and Modify Test Questionnaire with a group of PPs Alter the problem q’aire items www.psychlotron.org .uk Identify issues with the q’aire Obtain feedback from them