D annan a simple guide to resarch writing indd

3. Structure and layout of the questionnaire
 
This includes the researcher determining the numbers, question classifications and the 
kinds of inquiries. It is necessary to consider the genuine structure and format of the 
questionnaire and the succession of the questions. A few recommendations here are that 
the researcher should b
egin with comparable and recognisable ‘introduction’ questions, 
continue to ‘content’ and conduct questions and keep the individual, socio-demographic 
items for last and to word these cautiously to abstain from giving offense.
4. Type of questions
 
The following broad points are noteworthy:
• Closed questions that define the participant’s range of responses to questions are 
better suited to questionnaires as they readily lend themselves to coding and to 
analysis.

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• Questions should be designed to facilitate computer analysis as this allows for rapid 
computation, statistical analysis and graphical presentation of data.
Depending on the needs of the research topic and the range of data required for 
comprehensive coverage of the research objectives, the typical question formats include 
the following:
• Single-option responses (‘yes’, ‘no’ or short answers)
• Multiple choice responses (sets of options)
• Rating questions (using Likert scales, for example)
• Ranking questions (ranking set of options).
5. The wording questions
 
Clear correspondence should be an essential objective of all questionnaires. The researcher 
should avoid wording that gives rise to misconception, proposes analyst predisposition, or 
is offensive. The following are a few suggestions for the wording of questions.