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Permalink Reply by Vipin Kumar on November 27, 2010 at 1:26

thank u mam

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Permalink Reply by Dr.Prabhat Pandey on November 26, 2010 at 18:21

Questionnaires
For research, it is usually best to use a standardised questionnaire i.e. a questionnaire that
has already been tested for reliability and validated. This is to ensure that the questionnaire
is measuring what you are trying to measure and that your findings can be easily replicated.
Standardised questionnaires can be identified through published research, the internet or
through suppliers of assessment tools. Questionnaires can measure general concepts such
as general coping strategies or specific measures that focus on a specific concept such as
coping in response to pain, or for a specific population e.g. children aged 5-11years. Some
generic questionnaires can be adapted for a specific purpose, for example the Illness
Perception Questionnaire (IPQ has been adapted for different medical conditions e.g. a
version is available for HIV, asthma and chronic pain, although this should be completed
following the instructions of the questionnaire to prevent any changes effecting the results.
There are advantages and disadvantages of using either a generic or specific questionnaire
and the choice of questionnaire should be based on what you are trying to find out. For
example, if you are looking at people’s experiences of living with asthma, a specific measure
may be useful to identify the specific issues in living with this condition whereas if you are
looking at patient satisfaction a questionnaire focusing on more generic issues may be more
useful.
However, there are many times when you are unable to find a measure that is looking
specifically at what you would like to measure or if you may only want to ask a small number
of specific question to evaluate a service. In these situations it may be best to develop your
own questionnaire. Although bear in mind that in research any questionnaire you develop will
need to be piloted, and publishers do not look favourably on questionnaires that is not or is
not in the process of being standardised.
Designing a Questionnaire
Most problems with questionnaires can be traced back to the design phase. A study that has
well-defined documented goals, expressed in a few clear and concise sentences from the
outset will have fewer problems when designing the questionnaire that those that do not.
The tool becomes considerably easier to develop if the questionnaire is developed to
directly address the goals of the study.
One of the best ways to clarify the study goals is to decide how you intend to use the
information and to what purpose. Do this before you begin designing the project. This sounds
obvious, but many people neglect this task. Be sure to commit the study goals to writing –
write a study proposal that sets out the how when and why’s of the project. Everyone will
then be very clear what is trying to be achieved and what is expected of him or her.
Whenever you are unsure of a question, refer to the study goals and a solution will become
clear. Ask only questions that directly address the goals. Avoid the temptation to ask
questions because it would be "interesting to know".
The design of the questionnaire can be split in to three elements:
1. Determine the questions to be asked
2. Select the question type for each question and specify the wording
3. Design the question sequence and overall layout.
Information Sheet 17
Education Centre, The Hillingdon Hospital.
Tel: 01985 279021. Ext. 3021 Email: gay.bineham@thh.nhs.uk
There are two important factors to remember. The importance of the layout and the quality of
the questions
Design and Layout
We all know how important first impressions are. The same holds true for questionnaires.
The layout of the questionnaire including the ease on the eye and the ease at which it can be
filled out probably are the most important factors in obtaining a good response rate. Do not
clutter the form up with unnecessary headings, and numbers. A brief introductory statement
is useful, especially if the introductory letter could go adrift. Contact and return information
should be included on the questionnaire.
Lay out the questions and answer choices attractively and neatly. Try to be consistent in
aspects such as wording and layout of the questions e.g. asking them to rate on a scale or to
number items in order of priority, use as few questions as possible. Avoid switching between
landscape and portrait for the text layout. Be careful not to overfill the page. Avoid using lots
of lines, borders and boxes since these can make the page look cluttered. Using a small font
can cut down the number of pages and hence make the questionnaire look shorter; but
remember that small fonts can put people off.
As a general rule long questionnaires get less response than short ones. One of the most
effective methods of maximizing response is to shorten the questionnaire. If your survey is
over a few pages, try to eliminate questions. Read each question and ask, "How am I going
to use this information?" If the information will be used in a decision-making process, then
keep the question... If not, throw it out. A low response rate can cause your findings to be
questioned. Style any layout is important - Make you questionnaire stand out by using
different coloured paper or inks.
Begin with a few non-threatening and interesting items. People generally look at the first few
questions before deciding whether or not to complete the questionnaire. Grouping questions
that are similar will make the questionnaire easier to complete, and the respondent will feel
more comfortable. Leave adequate space for respondents to make comments. One criticism
of questionnaires is their inability to retain the "flavour" of a response. Leaving space for
comments will provide valuable information not captured by the response categories.
Leaving white space also makes the questionnaire look easier to complete. Hold the
respondent's interest by using different fonts, italics and bold.
Organize the pattern of the questions:
• Place demographic questions at the end of the questionnaire.
• Have your opening questions arouse interest.
• Ask easier questions first.
• To minimize conditioning, have general questions precede specific ones.
• Group similar questions together.
• If you must use personal or emotional questions, place them at the end of the
questionnaire.
Anonymous questionnaires that contain no identifying information are more likely to produce
honest responses than those identifying the respondent.
Qualities of a Good Question
• A good question asks for only one "bit" of information.
• Good questions do not confuse and frustrate the respondent
• Good questions use simple and direct language. The question should leaves no
ambiguity in the mind of the respondent. There should be only one correct or
appropriate choice for the respondent to make.
Information Sheet 17
Education Centre, The Hillingdon Hospital.
Tel: 01985 279021. Ext. 3021 Email: gay.bineham@thh.nhs.uk
• Good questions should follow on comfortably from the previous question. Transitions
between questions should be smooth. Always give the option of a "don't know"
response category if there is any possibility that the respondent may not know the
answer
• Good questions are not emotionally loaded nor use vaguely defined words as this can
lead to misinterpretation.
• Good questions do not use unfamiliar words or abbreviations. Remember who your
audience is and write your questionnaire for them.
• Good questions use short sentences.
• Good questions do not ask the respondent to order or rank a series of more than five
items
• The questionnaire / data collection form states the policy on confidentiality.
• Good questions are non-threatening.
Always pilot your questionnaire - The final test of a questionnaire is to try it on
representatives of the target audience. Select between 5-10 candidates. If there are
problems with the questionnaire, they almost always show up here. If possible, be present
while a respondent is completing the questionnaire and tell her that it is okay to ask you for
clarification of any item. The questions she asks are indicative of problems in the
questionnaire. It is too late to decide there are flaws in your questionnaire once you have
collected the data.
Covering Letters
Always provide a well-written cover letter that includes reasons for the study what you are
trying to achieve and what is expected of the respondent. This will include clear and concise
instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. These must be very easy to understand,
so use short sentences and basic vocabulary. Be sure to print the return address on the
questionnaire itself and offer the respondent a reply envelope. The importance of the cover
letter should not be underestimated. It provides your best chance to persuade the
respondent to participate in the study. Give your questionnaire a title that is short and
meaningful. A questionnaire with a title is generally perceived to be more credible than one
without. Always include other experts and relevant people in the questionnaire design
process. Their suggestions will improve the questionnaire and give it credibility with your
respondents.
The cover letter is an essential part of the questionnaire. It will affect whether or not the
respondent completes the questionnaire. It is important to maintain a friendly tone and keep
it as short as possible. The importance of the cover letter should not be underestimated. It
provides an opportunity to persuade the respondent to complete the questionnaire. If the
questionnaire can be completed in less than five minutes, mentioning this in the cover letter
can increase the response rate.
The letter should:
1. Describe why the study is being done (briefly)
2. Say how you want the questionnaire returned giving an address - mention
the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.
3. Encourage prompt response – give a response deadline of no more than 2
weeks
4. Describe your "confidentiality/anonymity" policy.
5. Give the name and phone number of someone they can call with
questions.

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Permalink Reply by Jayshree Dave on November 26, 2010 at 18:28

thanks sir sharing good and detial info. withus

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Permalink Reply by Vipin Kumar on November 27, 2010 at 1:36

thank u sir for give me best ans.

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Permalink Reply by Vipin Kumar on November 27, 2010 at 1:37

thank u Pandey sir for give me best ans.

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Permalink Reply by Jayshree Dave on November 26, 2010 at 18:29

· Questions worded simply and clearly, not ambiguous or vague, must be objective
· Attractive in appearance (questions spaced out, and neatly arranged)
· Write a descriptive title for the questionnaire
· Write an introduction to the questionnaire
· Order questions in logical sequence
· Keep questionnaire uncluttered and easy to complete
· Delicate questions last (especially demographic questions)
· Design for easy tabulation
· Design to achieve objectives
· Define terms
· Avoid double negatives (I haven't no money)
· Avoid double barreled questions (this AND that)
· Avoid loaded questions ("Have you stopped beating your wife?")
· Phrase questions for all respondents

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Permalink Reply by Vipin Kumar on November 29, 2010 at 0:22

sir is this your original ideas?

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