Questionnaires
• Ensure the following:
• The questions are relevant to the study.
• The questions are carefully worded.
• The respondents understand the questions.
• The respondents are not influenced by the wording.
Mind map 5.6 below shows the various principles of good question writing, followed by a
short discussion of each principle.
Mind map 5.6: Principles of good question writing
• Avoid jargon, slang and abbreviations
The questions must be clear, relevant and significant to all respondents. Language and
specialised terms may bode well to specific subcultures only. For example, educationalists
use the terms didactics and pedagogics while legal advisors use phrasing like in camera
and subpoena. Shortened forms like USA and GPPW may mean nothing to many
respondents. The vocabulary and sentence structure for the overall population should be
easy to understand.
• Avoid ambiguity, confusion and vagueness
Ambiguity is one of the common problems in questionnaires. For example, an answer to the
question. Do you do your homework regularly? This question hinges on the understanding
of the word regularity. Respondents may respond differently to the question. To reduce
confusion and get information for the study, such types of questions should be closed
(provide options) with a question like how many hours per day do you spend on your
homework?
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