Question

Why is the well-structured questionnaire important for a field survey?

Answer 1

A questionnaire plays an important role in a field survey. If it is properly designed, certainly we shall get accurate results from our investigations. On the other hand, if it is not properly designed then it will lead to many problems. Rather the entire purpose of the field survey will be defeated. The questionnaire is the most commonly used method in surveys. The questionnaire is a list of questions either open-ended or close-ended for which the respondent gives answers. The questionnaire can be conducted via telephone, mail, live in a public area, or in an institute, through electronic mail or through fax and other methods.
There are some points that must be borne in mind while constructing a questionnaire.
To draft a questionnaire or schedule is an art. The success of the statistical investigation depends on the proper drafting of the questionnaire. It is a highly specialized job and the following points should be borne in mind:

1. The number of questions in a schedule should be as brief and limited as possible. Only relevant questions to the problem under investigation should be added. Ideally, it should be between 20-30.
2. The questions should be simple, clear, and precise. Its language should be very simple so that informants may easily understand.
3. All unambiguous questions should be avoided at all, complicated and long-worded questions irritate the respondents which results in careless; replies.
4. No personal questions should be asked from respondents. Such questions should be avoided.
5. For example
   1. Do you take alcohol?
   2. Do you tell a lie?
   3. Does your boss scold you? ‘
6. Questions should be framed with the right words. This ensures validity. Starting a question with a negative is undesirable. For example, Don’t you think India is a corrupt country?
7. Questions should not be based on calculations. Only those questions should be asked which the respondents may reply to immediately. Moreover, questions should avoid memories.
8. The objective-type questions should be given preference. Either MCQ or yes-no options should be given but in case of need and requirement of investigation, open-ended questions can also be used.
9. The arrangement of the questions should be such it involves a logical flow of questions. For example, it is not making sense to ask a person:
   1. What is your income?
   2. Are you employed?
      Or
   3. How many kids do you have?
   4. Are you married?