Page 128 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology

Notes Forced and Unforced Scales

Suppose the questionnaire is not provided with 'don't know' or 'no option', then the respondent
is forced to choose one side or the other. A 'don't know' is not a neutral response. This may be
due to genuine lack of knowledge.
Balanced and Unbalanced Scales

In a balanced scale, the number of favourable responses are equal to the number of unfavorable
responses. If the researcher knows that there is a possibility of a favourable response, it is best
to use unbalanced scale.

Use Funnel Approach

Funnel sequencing gets the name from its shape, starting with broad questions and progressively
narrowing down the scope. Move from general to specific examples.
1. How do you think this country is getting along in its relations with other countries?

2. How do you think we are doing in our relations with the US?
3. Do you think we ought to be dealing with US?
4. If yes, what should be done differently?
5. Some say we are very weak on the nuclear deal with the US, while, some say we are OK.
What do you feel ?
The first question introduces the general subject. In the next question, a specific country is
mentioned. The third and fourth questions are asked to seek views. The fifth question is to seek
a specific opinion.

Step 6: Pretesting of Questionnaire

Pretesting of a questionnaire is done to detect any flaws that might be present. For example, the
word used by researcher must convey the same meaning to the respondents. Are instructions
clear skip questions clear? One of the prime conditions for pretesting is that the sample chosen
for pretesting should be similar to the respondents who are ultimately going to participate. Just
because a few chosen respondents fill in all the questions going does not mean that the
questionnaire is sound.
How Many Questions to be Asked? The questionnaire should not be too long as the response
will be poor. There is no rule to decide this. However, the researcher should consider that if he
were the respondent, how would he react to a lengthy questionnaire. One way of deciding the
length of the questionnaire is to calculate the time taken to complete the questionnaire. He can
give the questionnaire to a few known people to seek their opinion.

Step 7: Revise and Preparation of Final Questionnaire

Final questionnaire may be prepared after pretesting the questionnaire with the small group of
respondents. Questionnaire should be revised for the following:

i. To correct the spellings.
ii. To place the questions in proper order to avoid the contextual bias.
iii. To remove the words which are not familiar to respondents.

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