Use 0f Questionnaires In Data Collection

By Akachukwu Oguine 8 0motoyinbo

What is a questionnaire? A questionnaire is a form containing a set of questions, especially one addressed to a statistically significant number of subjects as a way of gathering information for a survey. It is a very good way of collecting data.

Why is it used? A questionnaire is used for many things. Such as: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) To collect data in a very simple, inexpensive way To collect data in an unbiased way (compared to other methods of data collection) To find out various opinions, facts and information about different people To collect data in a way that is common to many people To note peoples religion, age, beliefs etc.

How it is used to collect data: A questionnaire is very useful but there are steps involved in using it effectively. The steps required to design and administer a questionnaire include:

1)

Defining the Objectives of the survey: It is always important to understand the Objectives of the survey to know what it will be about.

2)

Determining the Sampling Group: It is important to do this to understand the audience the questionnaire is directed at.

3)

Writing the Questionnaire: After planning you must start the questionnaire. This is done to mention the items of data to be collected e.g. address, phone no. etc.

4)

Administering the Questionnaire: You need to administer the questionnaire to the selected audience. This is the main aspect of the data collection as it is where the listed data items are given out to be processed into information.

5)

Analysing the answers: this is looking at and drawing conclusions from the answers to the questionnaire e.g. if the questionnaire is about

favourite TV programs of Greensprings pupils you count the no of pupils that named a particular program to determine the most popular. This is done after data collection. 6) Presentation: After all the data has been collected and analysed it will be presented in tables or graphs e.g. the results of the questionnaire on the favourite TV programs of Greensprings pupils can be presented accurately in a bar chart. In other words, the data is processed into information.

Conclusion After all this is considered you should be able to draw up and collect data for a questionnaire.