questionnaires

What is a questionnaire

A written or electronic self-completion survey method which can be given to participants to be filled out anonymously

What are closed questions & example

Questions that have set responses which the participant has to choose from

Each answer can be analysed by the researcher - helps to generate social facts

E.g. UK Census - collects structured data from millions and Shere Hite’s research on love & relationships (low response rates)

Practical evaluations of closed questionnaires

• quick & cheap to distribute (especially online/via post)

• No need for interviews making data collection efficient

Ethical evaluation of closed questionnaires

• informed consent is provided, they choose to answer

• Some questions may be sensitive and respondents may feel restricted in their answers

Are closed questionnaires reliable

• Standardised questions ensure consistency which makes it easy to replicate the study

Are closed questionnaires valid

• Since responses are fixed theres less chance of interviewer bias influencing answers

• Responses may lack depth as participants are forced into predefined categories

Are closed questionnaires Representative

• Can reach a large sample which increases generalisability

• Certain individuals which specific characteristics may be more inclined to answer

Theoretical evaluation of closed questionnaires

• Positivists - favour as they produce quantitative data that can be statistically analysed

• Interpretivists - criticise since they fail to capture the complexity of human behaviour

What are open questions & when its used

Questions that don’t have set responses, the participants are free to respond how they wish & can offer their thoughts & feelings - helps to generate verstehen

Used in studies exploring sensitive topics (crime, mental health) where depth is crucial

Practical evaluation of open questionnaires

• allow respondents to express their thoughts freely which provides richer data

• Time consuming to analyse as responses vary & require interpretation

Ethical evaluation of open questionnaires

• some responses may reveal personal or sensitive information which requires careful handling

Are open questionnaires reliable

• Hard to replicate as different respondents may interpret questions differently

Are open questionnaires valid

• Since answers are detailed & unrestricted they offer deeper insight into participants views

Are open questionnaires representative

• Can capture diverse perspectives making findings more reflective of real world experiences

Theoretical evaluation of open questionnaires

• Interpretivists - favour as they produce qualitative data that helps understand meaning’s & motivations

• Positivists - criticise because they lack standardisation & are difficult to quantify