• The questionnaire should be comprehensive. It must gather as much information as
possible.
• Clear instructions. For instance, how the respondents should answer the questions
(ring, cross or tick the choice). The respondent should know that is expected of him/
her.
• Questions should move from the general to the specific. The first few questions can
win or lose their favour. Keep the delicate or sensitive questions for the end. The
questionnaire should be presented in a respondent-friendly way.
• Questions should be categorised if you have different variables (e.g. questions on
dress, identity, cul
ture, language etc.). This will help to guide the respondent’s
thinking.
• Questions should also be sequenced logically.
• Responses should be easy to tabulate, summarise and interpret.
• Make provision for adequate code numbers if you intend using a computer program
to process your data.
• Enclose a post-paid envelope outlining the objectives of the study as well as a few
courteous words to encourage respondents.
• Give attention to the response rate. The response rate ultimately affects the
completeness of the sample. Each respondent who refuses to participate has an
impact on the representativeness of the eventual sample.
Factors affecting the validity of a questionnaire The researchers needs to ask themselves the following:
• To what extent do the questions influence respondents to portray themselves in a
good light?
• To what extent does a question influence respondents to react in a way that they think
the researcher wants them to?
• To what extent does a question ask for information that could elicit resistance from
the person?
It is important for the researcher to avoid any of the above happening as this will have a
negative effect on the validity of the questionnaire.
