RESEARCH METHODOLY

QUESTIONEER METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

INDEX

[Link] TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

1 INTRODUCTION
2 WHAT IS RESEARCH
3 KEY ELEMENTS OF RESERACH
4 KINDS OF RESEARCH
5 DATA COLLECTION
6 KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN DATA COLLECTION
7 QUESTIONNERE METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
8 QUESTIONNERE CONSTRUCTION
9 LENGTH OF QUESTIONNERE
10 GUIDING PRINCIPALS TO BE FOLLOWED IN
QUESTIONNERE
11 TYPES OF QUESTIONNERE
12 TYPES OF QUESTIONS
13 FRAMING OF QUESTIONS
14 USE OF SCALES
15 DISTRIBUTION OF QUESTIONNERE
16 RESPONSE RATE
17 PRETESTING OF QUESTIONNERE
18 OVERALL ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS
19 CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION:

This study briefs on what is research and what are its kinds and on the methods of data
collection for the purpose of research and particularly the Questioner method along with
its merits and demerits. It emphasizes on the scope and rawness of the data collected
through Questioner method. The Surveys conducted widely from time to time to know
about the effect of a particular scheme or policy use only this method to collect data. This
also discusses the techniques used in this method to achieve possible reality results.

WHAT IS RESEARCH:

Research is a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering, interpreting, or revising

facts, theories, and applications. It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to
answer questions, solve problems, or expand existing knowledge in a particular field.
Research can be qualitative (exploring concepts and experiences) or quantitative
(focusing on numerical data and statistical analysis).

KEY ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH:

1. Problem identification
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Data Collection
5. Analysis and Interpretation
6. Reporting

KINDS OF RESEARCH:

1. BASIC or PURE RESEARCH;

It is used to expand knowledge without immediate practical application
2. APPLIED RESEARCH:
It is used to solve specific, practical problems.
3. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:
Measuring variables and analysing numerical data is the goal of this research

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 4. QUALITATIVE RESERACH:

The goal of this research is understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences

5. MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH
Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches is this type of research.

There are even more other types of research where various methods and
techniques are used .

DATA COLLECTION:
Data collection is the process of systematically gathering information to answer
research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes. The quality and reliability of
your research heavily depend on how well you collect your data

KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN DATA COLLECTION:

1. Reliability

Consistency in how data is collected is important factor in research

2. Validity

Ensuring the data accurately reflects the concept being measured checks the
validity of the data

3. Ethics

Obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and avoiding bias and

for a good research.

4. Sampling Methods:

Random Sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of selection.

Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into subgroups for targeted data
collection
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 RESEARCH TYPE COMMON DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
Qualitative Research Interviews, Focus Groups, Observations
Surveys, Experiments, Structured
Quantitative Research
Observations
Mixed Methods Combining qualitative (interviews) and
quantitative (surveys) techniques
Action Research Iterative feedback loops from participants

QUESTIONNAIRE METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION:

Questionnaire is an instrument of data collection. The researchers most commonly use

this method for collecting data. In order to gather data on a particular research topic, the
researcher lists the questions to which s/he requires answers. The list of questions
arranged in some order is either given personally, or sent / mailed to the target population.
A questionnaire is a set of written questions for respondents to answer. These answers
become primary data for investigation

QUESTIONNAIRE CONSTRUCTION:

1) Determining the scope of the questionnaire.

2) Deciding the type of questions (close ended or open ended) to be asked.

3) Preparing the draft questionnaire.

4) Pretesting the questionnaire with a sample population.

5) Revising the questionnaire according to the suggestions received.

6) Distributing of the questionnaire to the actual sample.

7) Sending reminders to the population under study.

8) Receiving the responses.

9) Analysing and interpreting of the data received.

10) Writing the report

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LENGTH OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE:

There is no prescribed length for a standard questionnaire. However, there is a belief that
if the questionnaire is too long its response rate drops. Length of the questionnaire
depends on the topic of the research problem and size of the target population. The
response rate may vary according to the type of clientele as well. The length of the
questionnaire must definitely take into consideration the cost and the willingness of the
target population to answer. Hence, a general statement about the length of questionnaire
cannot be made. Questionnaire is not simply listing of relevant questions on a subject.
The researcher must know what is the objective of the research undertaken and what type
of questions to ask. Questions should be such which will elicit the required information.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE:

1) It should be self-explanatory.

2) Questions should be restricted to close ended as opened ended questions could receive
vague and incomplete responses, which are difficult to interpret.

3) Less number of questions in the questionnaire helps in receiving high response rate.

4) Attractive layout of the questionnaire is necessary. It helps in completion of the

questionnaires.

5) Proper instructions should be provided to the respondents in filling up the

questionnaire.

TYPES OF QUESTIONNAIRES:

Mc Kornam (1996) categorized questionnaires into three types:

i) Mailed questionnaire
ii) Group administered questionnaire
iii) Personal contact questionnaire.

First of these three types is a postal questionnaire. Williams(1997) calls this type self-
completion questionnaire. This type has a pre determined set of questions. The
respondents are provided with self-addressed stamped envelope to return within two to
four weeks after posting the questionnaire. This type of questionnaire contains a covering
letter, which explains the purpose, objectives of the research. It also requests the

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respondent for co-operation and assures them of confidentiality of their answers. This
type of questionnaires costs less compare to other types. Respondents can take their own
time in filling it. The advantage of this type is that it covers a wider geographical area.
The biggest disadvantage of mailed questionnaire is low response rate. While most of the
questionnaires return after two weeks, some may even return after two months adding to
the time and cost of data collection.

Mailed questionnaire may be filled by someone other than the respondent. The answer
may also be incomplete; incomplete questionnaire sometimes pose a serious problem at
the time of analysis of data.

The second type is group-administered questionnaire. In this method the respondents

gather at one place and complete the questionnaire. This type of method is basically used
by the teachers to gather data on any research query.

In the third, category the researcher and the respondents come together and questionnaire
is filled in the presence of the researcher or by the researcher.

TYPES OF QUESTIONS:

The choice of questions also depends upon the topic of research, the target population,
etc. Survey questions can be grouped into two categories i.e. open ended and close-ended
questions.

Open Ended Questions

Open-ended questions give liberty to the respondents to express their views. They give
tremendous freedom to the respondents to answer according to their interpretation. Given
below is an example of an open-ended question.

Example of Open Ended Questions:

Can you suggest some ways to further improve the use of Internet in your research?

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ADVANTAGES OF OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS :

• Unanticipated answers can be obtained from the respondents.

• Researcher can get the real views of the respondents.

• Respondents can give their views in their own language reflecting creativity, self
expression and richness of detail.

• Such answers reveal the logic of the respondents.

DISADVANTAGES OF OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS:

• Responses can be vague, irrelevant or not to the point.

• Many interpretations of the same question may not lead to valuable analysis.

• Coding of the responses is not possible.

• Respondent needs more time to answer.

• More space is required for answers in the questionnaire.

• Respondents may use different terms for the same concept.

The responses to open ended questions are difficult to analyse but not impossible. The
researcher has to carefully study the responses and put them in different categories. This
process may be very time consuming.

CLOSE ENDED QUESTIONS:

Close ended questions are best suited for large-scale surveys. They are easier and quicker
for the respondents as well as for the researcher. The Close-ended 52 Advanced Writing
Skills questions in the questionnaire may sometimes suggest strange results. This problem
can be overcome by taking interviews, which can supplement the information on the
close ended questions. There is another problem faced by the researcher while
formulating different choices for a particular question. If the choices are less the desired
results cannot be achieved. If the choices are too many, it may confuse the participant and

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appropriate answers cannot be received. Close-ended questions are provided with a list of
accepted answers. A respondent has to pick and choose the right answers. The responses
chosen by respondents may be best suited to them but they may not be the correct
answers. There is a possibility that the list of alternative answers may not be sufficient for
the respondent, hence, limiting his/her options. Given below is an example of a close-
ended question.

Example of Close Ended Question:

Paul Burton further classifies the close ended questions into single choice or multiple-
choice questions

Single choice question:

Gender 1. Male 2. Female

Multiple-choice question:

Which of the following computer skills you have 1. Word 2. Excel 3. Software 4. Email
%. Gaming

ADVANTAGES OF CLOSE ENDED QUESTIONS

• Cost effective.

• Answers of the respondents can be compared.

• Easy for respondents to answer.

• Easy to code and tabulate.

• Performance of the respondents is more reliable.

• Researcher can also reliably interpret the answers.

• Sensitive questions can be properly answered

. • Less number of confused answers.

• Less knowledgeable persons can also answer.

• With limited number of answer options, the possibility of getting enough responses to
the options or categories may be useful for analysis.

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DISADVANTAGES OF CLOSE ENDED QUESTIONS

• Ideas of the researchers are imposed on the respondents.

• Less knowledgeable can also answer due to the availability of multiple choices.

• It is possible that respondents get frustrated by not getting the desirous options of their
choice.

• Multiple choices from the researcher may be confusing for the respondents

The disadvantages of both types of questions can be reduced if there is a judicious mix of
both the categories in the questionnaire. Most of the questionnaires mix these two types.
Open and close-ended types of questions are required to get facts or opinions of the
respondents. Which type of the questions will be adopted will depend on various factors.
For quantitative data, factual questions are required. In this case close-ended questions
will suit the most. For qualitative data the open-ended questions are required though they
are less easy to categories and less amenable to computer techniques.

FRAMING OF QUESTIONS :

Before framing the questionnaire the researcher has to review the literature on the area to
determine the type of questions to be asked. Flower (1987) has suggested four queries to
be addressed before finalising a question in the questionnaire.

1) Is this a question that can be asked exactly the way it is written?

2) Is this a question that will mean the same thing to everyone?

3) Is this a question that people can answer?

4) Is this a question that people will be willing to answer, given the data collection
procedure?

FORMAT AND LAYOUT OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE:

The format of the questions and physical layout of the questionnaire should be made
attractive, neat and easy to follow.

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Examples of Question Format

Horizontal type:

What is the level of satisfaction for Internet search results? (Tick mark (√) the answer)

High —— Moderate —— Low ——-

Vertical type:

What is the level of satisfaction for Internet search results?(Tick mark(√) the answer)

High ———

Moderate ———

Low ———-

Given below are examples of some ‘response category’ choices.1

Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor

Strongly Agree, Agree, Somewhat Agree, Somewhat Disagree, Disagree, Strongly

Disagree Regularly, Often, Seldom, Never

Always, Most of the Time, Rarely, Never

More Likely, Less Likely, No Difference Very Interested, Interested, Not Interested

USE OF SCALES:

The questions should be designed in such a manner that the answers could be easily and
quickly analysed. Some of the questions involve simple calculation of number and
percentage. To tackle other complex issues, scaling techniques such as rating scale and
rank order scale should be used. 2

1
Neuman (1997).
2
[Link]

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Three-Point Scale

Scale Weights
3 2 1
Level of Difficulty High Moderate Low

Five-Point Scale

Scale Weights
4 3 2 1 0
Frequency Frequently Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Dependency Solely Most of the Often Some extent Not at All
Time
Degree Very Useful Useful Satisfactory Little Use No use
Adequacy Excellent Very Adequate Inadequate Poor
Adequate

DISTRIBUTION OF QUESTIONNAIRE:

Questionnaire can be either distributed personally or through mail/ by e-mail/ Internet.

Each of the system has its own merits and demerits.

IN PERSON:

Questionnaire can be distributed personally to the respondents. For example, if the

researcher is surveying the use pattern of a particular library, then the questionnaire can
be given at the time when users enter the library. If, by chance, the researcher does not
find respondents there then it can be given to them personally at the place of work or at
their residence. Questionnaire can be sent by post to the target population with a self-
addressed envelope stamped/pre-paid so that the respondents can return the filled
questionnaire in time without any trouble. Mailed questionnaires should also accompany
a covering letter stating the objective of the survey, requesting the respondent to fill it on
time, etc. In order to deliver the questionnaire to the respondents in person, a number of
visits have to be made to their place of work, study or to the libraries, which they usually

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consult. As it is not possible to contact each of the respondents some questionnaires may
be left with the library staff or with the department where they work or study with the
prior permission of the librarian / authorities.

THROUGH E-MAIL:

Nowadays with the coming of the Internet connectivity it is possible to circulate the
questionnaire through e-mail. In this method the respondents who have e-mail id as well
as the Internet connectivity can receive and send the questionnaire as an e-mail
attachment. This is a quick, easy and cost effective way of distribution and collection of
questionnaire. It can easily be extended or resent to respondents Questionnaire Method
any time at any place. E-mail based questionnaire is easy to construct, distribute and
manage the results. Through this method online surveys can be made available to any one
with Internet connectivity. The pre requisite of this method is the Internet connectivity
and list of e-mail addresses of the respondents.

WEB QUESTIONNAIRE:

There is another method of distribution and collection of questionnaire where the

population is widespread, covering state, country, etc. making it difficult for the
researcher to reach or meet the target population. In this method the questionnaire is put
on the website. Whosoever comes under the purview of the survey can fill the
questionnaire and submit it giving the required details. Web questionnaire also require a
time frame to complete/submit. This type of questionnaire also has a set of respondents,
for example, if the survey is on the “Use of Search Engines by the Central University
Teachers of India in the field of Indian Politics” only the Central University teachers of
India should fill up the Questionnaire. It has the same layout, open as well as close ended
questions. The close-ended questions can be filled up with the help of mouse click. For
open-ended questions the respondents can simply type the answer and after completion,
the questionnaire can be submitted.

RESPONSE RATE:

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Response rate in survey research is very crucial. Different types of surveys have a
different response rate. For example, very high rate of response is required for census
survey. If the researcher fails to get adequate response then there is a need for
introspection. The reasons may include: i) the target population at the toplevel may not
answer due to time constrain, ii) difficulty in approaching the scattered respondents, iii)
respondents refuse to answer due to ignorance of the topic under research, iv) lengthy
questionnaire or the use of highly technical language discourages the respondents, v) if
the questionnaire seeks more views from the respondents they get conscious of their
privacy and may not like to reveal their opinion.

A researcher can increase the response rate to a point by contacting the respondents
Questionnaire Method frequently, on the phone or by mail or by meeting him/her
personally. The researcher may have to make repeated visits or may send soft reminder
letters periodically persuading the respondents to return the completed questionnaire. If
the questionnaire is short and simple, it generates a good response. Timing of the
distribution is also important in getting responses. If teachers or students are given the
questionnaire during vacations or weekends, it will generally yield higher response.

PRETESTING OF QUESTIONNAIRE

Survey research questionnaire act as an instrument for gathering data. It should be pre
tested before putting it to actual use. Pre testing helps in further improving the
questionnaire and works like a measuring yardstick, seeking perfection. Once the final
questionnaire is printed then there is no room for corrections and improvement. If the
researcher tries to make corrections it will be expensive as well as difficult. To pre test the
questionnaire it has to be circulated to the sample population to receive useful comments
and the researcher can revise accordingly. Pre test also includes verbal communication
with sample population about confusing questions, difficult questions, over lapping
categories, etc. In this method the sample first fills up the questionnaire and then
discusses with the researcher on the unintelligible questions. Formal pre testing is an
invaluable part of questionnaire design process. It is a learning process for the researcher
as well. Pre testing helps the researcher in recording, simplifying, transforming some of
the questions. The process generally involves drafting the questionnaire and discussing it
with colleagues and also circulating it among the small sample of the population for

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whom the questionnaire is designed. This helps in removing any problem relating to
clarity, understanding of technical or professional terminology, order of questions, etc.
Paul Burton (1990) states, pretesting may therefore go through a number of iterations, but
this is a necessary part of questionnaire design. Pretesting, also called pilot survey, is very
much desirable to finalise the questionnaire.

OVERALL ADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNER METHOD:3

• Easier and quicker to collect data.

• Through this method large amount of data can be generated in a short span of
time.
• Direct responses can be obtained
• Information received is quantifiable. Quantitative as well as qualititative
responses can be procured. Back ground information of the respondents, which
is otherwise difficult to obtain, could be collected.
• Empirical data can be collected.
• It is cost effective.
• Response from a large population can be received covering a wide geographical
area.
• High rate of response can be generated from an educated population.
• Respondents get a chance to prepare and revise their answers before finally
answering the questionnaire.
• Researchers also get a chance though pretest to revise the final questionnaire.
• Responses are easy to analyse and tabulate.
• Questionnaire method provides the respondents to express their views on any
given topic freely.
• Questionnaire has a fixed format with a given number of questions. This helps in
eliminating variation in the questioning process

3
[Link]

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OVERALL LIMITATIONS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE METHOD:

• Difficult to receive adequate response rate.

• People often do not return the questionnaire on time.
• Reliability of data can be questioned.
• Truthful answers cannot be ascertained.
• It is a time-consuming activity, which includes preparation, pretest, revision,
distribution and sending reminders adding to time and cost of data collection.
• Incomplete answers also cause problem during the analysis stage.
• Researcher cannot observe the respondents reaction at the time of filling up of the
questionnaire.
• The questions can be wrongly interpreted which can affect the analysis.
• Assumptions of the researchers for certain things may prove opposite to the
respondents perceptions.
• Technical jargon/ professional terminology may play havoc for the respondents.
It may be possible that the questionnaire is returned with substantial number of
unanswered questions.
• Complex worded questions also fetch poor results.
• There is a possibility that the questionnaire may be biased. It may not have
included certain important questions, due to the preference of the researcher.
• Verification of the accuracy of the responses received from questionnaires might
be difficult.

CONCLUSION:

The Questioner Method proves to be a highly effective approach for promoting critical
thinking and deeper engagement with academic texts or research materials. By
encouraging the formulation of thought-provoking questions, this method not only
enhances comprehension but also stimulates analytical reasoning and intellectual
[Link] systematic questioning, learners and researchers can identify gaps in
knowledge, challenge assumptions, and explore broader implications of the subject
matter. This active engagement fosters a more dynamic learning environment, facilitating

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both independent inquiry and collaborative [Link], the Questioner
Method's adaptability across disciplines makes it a versatile tool in both qualitative and
quantitative research settings. It helps refine research focus, improve data collection
techniques, and guide interpretation by continually probing the "why," "how," and "what
if" aspects of a study.

In conclusion, integrating the Questioner Method into academic practices can

significantly improve critical analysis skills, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and
contribute to more robust, reflective research outcomes.

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WEBLIOGRAPHY:

1. [Link]
2.

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