Microsoft Word research method fm doc

 
While interviewing, a precaution should be taken not to influence the responses; the 
interviewer should ask his questions in a neutral manner. He should not show agreement, 
disagreement
, or surprise, and should record the respondent’s precise answers without 
shifting or interpreting them. 
 
Questionnaire Design 
Questions may take two general forms: they may be “Open ended” questions, which the 
subject answers in his own words, or “closed” questions, which are answered by choosing 
from a number of fixed alternative responses. 

---

Research methodology 
58
In questionnaire design remember to:
a) Use familiar and appropriate language 
b) Avoid 
abbreviations, 
double negatives, etc. 
c) Avoid two elements to be collected through one question 
d) Pre-code the responses to facilitate data processing
e) Avoid embarrassing and painful questions 
f) 
Watch out for ambiguous wording 
g) Avoid language that suggests a response 
h) Start with simpler questions 
i) 
Ask the same question to all respondents 
j) 
Provide other, or don’t know options where appropriate 
k) Provide the unit of measurement for continuous variables (years, months, kgs, 
etc) 
l) 
For open ended questions, provide sufficient space for the response 
m) Arrange questions in logical sequence 
n) Group questions by topic, and place a few sentences of transition between 
topics 
o) Provide complete training for interviewers 
p) Pretest 
the 
questionnaire on 20-50 respondents in actual field situation 
q) Check all filled questionnaire at field level 
r) 
Include “thank you” after the last question 
Importance of combining different data-collection techniques 
A skillful use of a combination of different data-collection techniques can maximize the quality 
of the data collected and reduce the chance of bias. Investigators often use a combination of 
flexible and less flexible research techniques. 
Flexible techniques, such as, loosely structured interviews using open-ended questions and 
focus group discussions are called qualitative research techniques. They produce 
qualitative information, which is often recorded in narrative form. 

---

Research methodology 
59
Structured questionnaires that enable the researcher to quantify pre- or post-categorized 
answers to questions are an example of quantitative research techniques. The answers to 
questions can be counted and expressed numerically.
Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques are often used within a single study.