How to compile a questionnaire

1. Viewpoint

"There are three main methods in administering questionnaires - face-to-face, mail and telephone - or various combinations of these. For example, interviews can be supplement-ed by a leave-behind questionnaire that the respondent mails back later. Mail surveys can be supplemented by a follow-up telephone interview…

The decision about the method by which the questionnaire will be administered must take into account the content matter of the survey, the nature of the survey population, the importance of sample quality and size, and the amount of time and money available. There is no correct method, only methods that are more or less appropriate to particular situations.

Once a decision about method is made, attention has to be given to motivating the respond-ent to participate, ensuring that the information provided is complete and accurate, and to ways of successfully completing the administrative phase."

2. It's a fact

Measurement, by using a questionnaire or any other tool, by itself changes nothing. If it did, there’d be very few overweight people. Measurement is a forerunner to action, so appropriately administered consequences are the only thing that will change behaviour for the better. Any performance can be measured, but the trick is how to apply those measurements. As well, if measurements are to be used to punish, people will try to avoid punishment by falsifying data.

3. Don't forget

The pros and cons:

Although questionnaires have obvious limitations, many of these can be minimised by carefully thinking ahead and pilot testing. Good questionnaires do not just happen: they involve careful thinking, numerous drafts, thorough evaluation, and intensive testing. …