4. Questionnaires

What are closed questions in questionnaires?

Fixed responses like yes/no or multiple choice.

What are open questions in questionnaires?

Allow detailed, qualitative answers for richer data.

What are practical strengths of questionnaires?

Quick, cheap, good for large samples, reliable, and geographically wide.

What are practical limitations of questionnaires?

Low response rates, limited depth, no clarification, requires literacy.

What ethical strengths do questionnaires offer?

Voluntary, anonymous, less intrusive, suitable for sensitive topics.

What ethical concerns are linked to questionnaires?

Misinterpretation and discomfort with personal questions.

Why do positivists support questionnaires?

They offer objectivity, reliability, and generalisability.

Why do interpretivists criticise questionnaires?

Lack of depth and understanding of meanings; inflexible.

How are questionnaires used in education research?

Study attitudes on uniforms, discipline, truancy, bullying, stress, etc.

What are strengths of questionnaires in schools?

Anonymity boosts honesty, quick to administer to groups.

What are limitations of using questionnaires with pupils?

Understanding issues, need for parental consent, teacher influence, low parent return rate.